Difference Between Crystal and Crystalline

Crystal vs Crystalline

The words “crystal” and “crystalline” are basically the same. They are just used differently because of how they are used as different parts of speech or in different fields of study.

“Crystal,” in a computer, can refer to a type of human-computer interface while in other sciences it can also be a manner of arranging cellular units by virtue of their dimensions or axial symmetries. Nevertheless, “crystal” is used primarily in earth sciences (Geology) referring to any solid element bearing atoms or ions that are structured in a repeating fashion that extends in every spatial dimension. This regular arrangement makes crystals sturdier than other matter like gas and fluids. The term itself is derived from “krystallos,” a Greek word that means either “rock, crystal” or “ice.”

On the other hand, “crystalline” refers to the same crystal-like rocks, but it is used primarily as an adjective that describes any object, mineral, or item that structurally and aesthetically looks like a common crystal. So we can say that graphite is a crystalline rock. The term is actually taken from the word “crystallinus,” which is of Latin origin.

Anything that is transparent, clear, and consists of crystals is described as crystalline in nature. It is also described as having a sharp outline. Water ice, calcite, aragonite, quartz, graphite and hydroxylapatite are some of the most common earth minerals exhibiting crystalline structures.

Moreover, most metals today are made in a crystalline state with different types of chemical bonding. This is for manufacturers to produce stronger products for commercial usage and, more particularly, in the field of construction.
The crystallinity of an object is measured either by calorimetry or by X-ray diffraction. In this connection, there are four different levels of crystallinity that are classified according to their crystalline or glassy nature. Holocrystalline, hypocrystalline, hypohyaline, and holohyaline are the four primary qualitative levels with the first being the complete crystalline rock and the last being the complete glassy rock.

In another context, the adjective “crystalline” can also refer to anything that is clearly outlined or is simple to understand. For example, a distinct report made by an employee to his boss would be described by the latter as being crystalline because of the clarity of presentation and the directness of the thoughts being presented.

Summary:

1.“Crystal” is a noun that refers to a rock containing atoms structured in a repeating manner that extend in all spatial dimensions.
2.“Crystalline” is an adjective that describes rocks possessing properties or qualities of crystals.
3.“Crystal” is derived from the Greek word “krystallos” while “crystalline” is derived from the Latin word “crystallinus.”
4.In other contexts, “crystalline” can also be used to describe anything that is clear or distinct.

Sharing is caring!