Crystal Systems - Rock Club World™

Crystals form in fascinating shapes and patterns. But what makes them so special? It has a lot to do with their crystal systems. Let’s explore!

What Are Crystal Systems?

Crystals are nature’s most orderly substances because of their consistent, repeating patterns. This orderliness is not just beautiful to look at – it’s also what makes crystals so special. The precise arrangements of atoms in crystals allow them to have unique properties, like the ability to generate electricity (piezoelectricity) or split light into beautiful colours.

The way a crystal forms is known as its crystal system, and there are seven crystal systems. Each system has its own unique style, just like each one of us!

The Seven Crystal Systems

1. Cubic (Isometric) System

Shape: Think of cubes, like dice or a Rubik’s Cube.
Example: Pyrite (also known as “Fool’s Gold”), Fluorite and Garnet.
Fun Fact: Salt crystals are also part of the cubic system. Next time you sprinkle some salt, remember you’re adding tiny cubes to your food!

2. Tetragonal System

Shape: Imagine stretched-out cubes, like rectangular boxes.
Example: Zircon and Rutile.
Fun Fact: Zircon crystals are some of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some being over 4 billion years old!

3. Hexagonal System

Shape: Think of hexagons or six-sided prisms, like honeycombs.
Example: Quartz and Beryl (which includes Emerald and Aquamarine).
Fun Fact: Snowflakes also belong to the hexagonal system, which is why they always have six sides!

4. Trigonal System

Shape: Similar to hexagonal but with a twist, forming three-sided prisms.
Example: Quartz (yes, Quartz can fit into this system too!) and Tourmaline.
Fun Fact: The famous red gemstone Ruby belongs to the trigonal system.

5. Orthorhombic System

Shape: Think of stretched cubes, but in three different directions.
Example: Topaz and Peridot.
Fun Fact: Topaz can be found in many colors, including blue, yellow, and even pink!

6. Monoclinic System

Shape: Imagine slanted boxes or rectangles.
Example: Selenite and Jade.
Fun Fact: Gypsum (Selenite) crystals can grow into gigantic, sword-like shapes, such as those found in the Cave of Crystals in Mexico.

7. Triclinic System

Shape: These crystals look like squashed or skewed boxes.
Example: Amazonite and Kyanite.
Fun Fact: Amazonite is often used in jewelry and can be found in ancient Egyptian artifacts.

The Mystery of Carbon – Diamonds and Pencil Lead

Did you know that Diamonds and the lead in your pencil are both made of the same element? That’s right, they’re both forms of carbon! But how can they be so different in hardness?

Diamonds: Diamonds are one of the hardest known crystals. They belong to the cubic crystal system and have their carbon atoms arranged in a very tight, strong lattice. This structure makes Diamonds incredibly hard and perfect for cutting tools and beautiful gemstones.
Pencil Lead (Graphite): Pencil lead, on the other hand, is made of Graphite, which is very soft and slippery. In Graphite, the carbon atoms are arranged in sheets that can easily slide over each other. This is why you can write smoothly with a pencil and why Graphite feels so soft.

So, even though Diamonds and Graphite are both pure carbon, their different structures give them very different properties!

The Rebels of the Crystal World

While all crystals form in neat, orderly patterns, some minerals that we think of as crystals don’t follow the rules. These are called amorphous minerals. Unlike regular crystals, amorphous minerals don’t have a specific shape or repeating internal structure. Instead, their atoms are arranged randomly.

Examples: Moldavite, Opals, and Obsidian are often thought of as crystals, but they’re actually amorphous minerals.
Moldavite: Formed from a meteorite impact, it has a glassy, irregular structure.
Opals: Famous for their colorful play of light, their internal structure is more like a gel.
Obsidian: A type of volcanic glass, it cools so quickly that its atoms don’t have time to arrange into a crystal system.

These minerals are technically not crystals because they lack the orderly internal structure that defines true crystals. But that doesn’t make them any less magical!

Fun Facts About Crystals

Growing Crystals at Home: You can grow your own crystals at home using simple materials like salt, sugar, or borax. It’s a fun science experiment that shows how crystals form from solutions!
Crystals in Space: Did you know that crystals can grow differently in space? Without gravity, they can form in unique shapes and sizes that you don’t see on Earth.
Record Breakers: The largest crystal ever found is a Beryl crystal in Madagascar, measuring over 18 meters (about 59 feet) long. That’s taller than a six-story building!

Bringing Crystal Systems into Your Life

Understanding crystal systems can make your crystal collection even more exciting! Next time you pick up a crystal, try to figure out which system it belongs to. Look at its shape and see if you can match it to one of the seven systems we talked about. It’s like a crystal detective game!

Crystals are not only beautiful but also teach us about the incredible order and harmony in nature. Whether you’re using crystals for healing, collecting them for fun, or just admiring their beauty, knowing about crystal systems adds a whole new layer of wonder to these magical stones.

Until next time, keep exploring and let your curiosity sparkle and shine!

Little Book of Healing Crystals for Children

We’ve whipped up a little book of healing crystals for children, and it’s completely free! Click here to grab your copy and dive into the magical world of crystals with your little ones.

Crystal Workshops for Kids

At Rock Club World, we sprinkle magic into every crystal workshop for kids! Ready to join the fun in your area? Click here to discover crystal workshops near you!