Difference Between Gems and Crystals

Gems vs Crystals

Gems and crystals are used for making jewellery and other substances. Both gems and crystals are widely preferred for their beauty. A gem can be termed a crystal whereas a crystal cannot be termed a gem.

Gems, which are highly priced than crystals, are rare minerals found in the earth. Gems can be said to be precious and valuable stones which are used more in jewellery. Crystals, which are pure substances, consist of molecules that are arranged in a geometric pattern.

Gems come with mineral bases like diamonds or rubies and with organic bases like amber. Crystals are solid materials which have atoms, molecules, and ions fixed in regular patterns that extend in three dimensions. Crystals are also called materials that have well-patterned geometric shapes.

Also known as gemstones, gems are differentiated as precious and semi-precious. The gemstones are finely cut and polished for using it in jewellery. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are some of the precious gems, and other gems come in the category of semi-precious.

Gems are mainly classified according to chemical composition and their crystalline structure. On the other hand, crystals are classified as hexagonal, cubic, orthorhombic, tetragonal, rhombohedral, and monoclinic.

Now looking at the colour of gems and crystals, the former come in various colours, such as, blue, green, and red whereas the colour of crystals depends on the transmission of light through them.

When comparing the price, gems are priced more than the crystals. Gemstones are mainly used in jewellery. Crystals are used for different purposes based on their properties.

Summary:

1. A gem can be termed a crystal whereas a crystal cannot be termed a gem.
2. Gems can be said to be precious and valuable stones which are used more in jewellery. Crystals, which are pure substances, consists of molecules that are arranged in a geometric pattern.
3. Gems come with mineral bases like diamonds or rubies and with organic bases like amber. Crystals are soild materials which have atoms, molecules, and ions fixed in regular patterns and extend in three dimensions.
4. Gems are mainly classified according to their chemical composition and crystalline structure. On the other hand, crystals are classified as hexagonal, cubic, orthorhombic, tetragonal, rhombohedral, and monoclinic.
5. Gems come in various colours, such as, blue, green, and red whereas the colour of crystals depends on the transmission of light through them.

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