Artificial Crystals and Natural Crystals: A Dialogue Between Nature and Technology
Crystal, since ancient times, has been loved by people for its unique transparency and brilliant luster. With the progress of science and technology, artificial crystal has gradually entered people's lives, and its characteristics of high quality and low price are favored by consumers. However, what exactly are the differences between artificial crystals and natural crystals?This article will demystify both for you through multiple dimensions.
1. Composition and structure.
Natural crystals: Natural crystals are minerals that are formed in nature, and their main ingredient is silicon dioxide (SiO2). In the movement of the earth's crust for hundreds of millions of years, under the influence of high temperature and high pressure, crystals of various shapes and colors have been formed.
Artificial crystal: Artificial crystal is made by artificial synthesis, simulating the growth environment and process of natural crystal. The main ingredient is also silica, but other substances may be added during the synthesis process to change its properties or color.
2. Physical properties.
Hardness: Natural crystal has a high hardness, belonging to Mohs hardness grade 7, second only to diamond. Whereas, the hardness of artificial crystals is relatively low, usually between 5-6 grades.
Luster: Natural crystals have a soft and natural luster, while artificial crystals may have a more brilliant luster but lack a natural texture.
Temperature: Natural crystals are generally cooler than man-made crystals due to differences in the conditions under which they are formed. When you touch both, you can feel a noticeable temperature difference.
3. Value and significance.
Value: Natural crystals often have a high market value due to their rarity and uniqueness. Although artificial crystals are inexpensive, they lack room for appreciation.
Significance: For many people, natural crystals have unique energy and spirituality and are used as healing, meditation or decoration, among other things. While artificial crystals can also be used for these purposes, they are often thought to lack natural energy.
Fourth, the method of identification.
Look inside: Natural crystals often have naturally occurring traces of bubbles, cracks, or impurities, while man-made crystals are relatively clean inside.
Test hardness: By comparing the hardness of the two, you can roughly judge their authenticity. For example, a scratch on glass with natural crystals can easily make marks, while artificial crystals can be difficult to do.
Feel the temperature: As mentioned earlier, feeling the difference in temperature between the two is also an effective way to tell the difference.
V. Conclusion. Although artificial crystals can mimic or even surpass natural crystals in some aspects, the essential differences between the two cannot be eliminated. With its unique formation process and scarcity, natural crystal carries the magic and endless mysteries of natureArtificial crystal, on the other hand, is the product of human scientific and technological progress, reflecting the imitation and transcendence of human beings over nature. When appreciating and using these two crystals, we can not only feel their beauty and practicality, but also experience the harmonious coexistence of nature and technology.
Whether natural or man-made, each crystal has its own unique charm and value. When it comes to choosing, we can make decisions based on our needs and preferences. At the same time, the story and science behind each crystal should also be respected, so that they can play a greater role in our lives.