10 Interesting Crystal Facts

When we think of crystals, visions of pretty, shiny, high vibrational, speak to me, thoughts come to mind.

Although, I am fascinated with the magical, intangible, energy they emit;  I am equally intrigued by how they even exist on this planet.

Mind-blowing thought… everything we need to exist and live an abundant life, the Earth provides. How perfect is that?  It is up to us to respectfully utilize these resources and create what we need in order to survive and live our best lives.  Therefore, we must keep these resources alive and live in harmony with the Earth. Next, we will discuss 10 interesting crystal facts.

Here are 10 interesting crystal facts I discovered:

1. Quartz makes up 12% of the Earth’s crust. We are literally traveling, in space, on a giant crystal ball.
2. 

   Cave of Crystals

   The largest crystals can be found at Cueva De Los Cristales (Cave of Crystals), Naica, Chihuahua Mexico.  Giant Selenite crystals (gypsum) were discovered in the year 2000, beneath the Naica mine at a depth of 300 meters (984 ft). The largest crystal measured 37.4 ft with an estimated mass of 12 tonnes.  Scientists determined the sulfate gypsum crystallized over the course of 500,000 years.

3. Crystals have atoms that are arranged in an organized, repetitive structure and are formed when the liquid cools and becomes solid.
   

   Snowflake Crystal

4. The most common crystals we come in contact with daily are table salt (Halite), snowflakes (H2O), and pencil lead (graphite).
5. Sand is considered a crystal. Sand is largely comprised of quartz crystals called silica.  However, it is also mixed with anything in the sea such as broken shells, bottles, sea life remains.  We find sand in different colors, such as black sand, which is usually made up of volcanic glass, magnetite, and other materials.
6. Below the streets of New York is studded with Opal, Beryl, Chrysoberyl, Garnet, and three kinds of Tourmaline.  The city’s most spectacular specimen, the “Subway Garnet”, was found August 1885.   It weighs 9-1/2 pounds and is the size of a cantaloupe, with 24 faces in good condition. FYI… the Garnet was actually found near 35th street and Broadway, near Madison Square Garden during the excavation of a sewer.  Geologists decided to call it “Subway Garnet” versus “Sewer Garnet”… good choice!
   

   Subway Garnet

7. A person who studies crystals is called a Crystallographer.
8. The Pink Star Diamond is the most expensive Diamond on Earth.  It sold at auction for $71.2 million US.
9. Due to the sulfur content, Lapis Lazuli gives off a distinct, unpleasant odor when it is cut or grounded.
10. Although not a crystal, but a mineral, farmed oysters are largely used to create the pearls found in jewelry.   Check this video out. – Amazing Pearl Cultivation – Pearl Farm and Harvesting                            These are 10 interesting crystal facts.