We primarily think of crystals as decorative gemstones for homes, gardens, and jewellery. However, since the 19th century, we have recognized their practical side.
Crystal Lattice
We are constantly surrounded by crystals. They form the basis of all solid materials, including minerals, metals, and even some plastics. Whether something is a crystal depends on the arrangement of its atoms. Neatly and repetitively structured atoms form what is called a crystal lattice. Quartz, diamonds, and table salt are examples of materials with a crystal lattice.
The quartz crystal has atoms arranged in a hexagonal (six-sided) lattice and is commonly used in watches. Diamonds have such a neatly structured arrangement of carbon atoms that they carry the title of “one of the hardest materials in the world.” In contrast, table salt is much softer and has a cubic lattice, which causes it to appear as tiny squares under a microscope. Silicon is another example of a practical crystal. Thanks to its ability to conduct energy, it has proven essential in computer chips. The arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice determines its properties.
Piezoelectric Effect
In 1880, the brothers Pierre and Jacques Curie discovered the piezoelectric effect. They found that when a crystal, such as quartz, is compressed or deformed, it generates electricity. This allowed for the conversion between mechanical and electromagnetic energy. The Greek word ‘piezo’ means ‘to press’ or ‘to squeeze.
Since the 1920s, crystal oscillators have improved broadcasting due to their stability in splitting and narrowing channels, improving the overall use of the radio spectrum. In quartz microphones, the crystal converts the mechanical pressure (force) of sound waves into electric impulses, which can then be amplified or transmitted electronically. Crystals like galena and pyrite are used in the construction of crystal radio receivers, converting the electromagnetic energy of radio signals into sound waves audible to the listener. Crystal radios do not rely on batteries as their energy source but instead draw energy from the radio waves in the atmosphere.
The aforementioned watch is a common home for the quartz crystal. Thanks to this minuscule crystal, the watch can precisely show us the current time. The quartz crystal acts as a timekeeper, vibrating at a specific, constant frequency when the electric current of the battery passes through it.
For quartz crystal, this frequency is 32,768 vibrations per second. This stable vibration is used to measure time, allowing you to precisely read the time on your watch.
Crystals within our Body
Since the 19th century, we have known that certain crystals act as resonators, converters, or amplifiers of electromagnetic energy. Beyond their presence in the world around us, crystals can also be found within our bodies. The DNA molecule in every cell of all living organisms has a hexagonal crystal structure. There are also speculations about liquid crystals, liquids in which the atoms are neatly structured and can be compared to the crystal lattice of solid materials. This gives our bodies flexibility and enables rapid communication between cells, proving that there still is much more to learn about crystals.
With this information in mind, it’s easy to imagine that crystals could amplify or convert forms of energy that we have yet to discover scientifically.
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