Crystals, which are stunning minerals formed by nature, have been loved by humans since ancient times. Crystals, the beautiful decorative items, and the energy stones, come in all kinds of varieties, and the market is crowded with numerous of them. Nonetheless, to choose the corresponding crystal, it is fundamental to know a handful of things. This article will guide you through the clear steps of selecting crystals, right from the way natural crystals are made, to the distinction that exists between natural crystals and synthetic crystals, to the appearance and of course, the main locations where crystals are produced, to the different brands that sell synthetic crystals.
How Do Natural Crystals Form?
Large mineral structures called natural crystals are created through extremely high temperature and pressure over millions of years, branching and slicing rock and dirt.
The crystallization of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) is the essential step in crystal formation. At very high temperatures and pressures, silicon dioxide crystallizes out of the liquid magma, resulting in the formation of clear or semi-clear crystal structures. The color, clarity, dimensions, and shape of a crystal are strongly determined by the surrounding environment. For instance, if the presence of impurities is high in the environment, the colors of the crystal can change, e.g. amethyst can appear purple or jade crystal can have a green tint.
Natural crystals are rare and the conditions of their formation are the ones that make them different from each other, thus making them good among the unique crystal types. Therefore, their uniqueness is an important reason they attract high prices.
What Are the Differences Between Synthetic and Natural Crystals?
Synthetic crystals are man-made using special techniques; for example, direct sunlight or heating a surface. The raw elements used are like those in nature, but the materials are vertical.
Primary Differences
Method of Creation: Whereas the nature that forms the earth, the production of natural crystals takes place through several geological processes in a span of millions of years, the synthetic crystals are, in turn, made in an artificial way using the high-temperature melting or other processes.
Physical and Chemical Properties: Although synthetic crystals are formed from similar chemical processes as natural crystals, they are often characterized by fewer inclusions and cracks, and their colors are too often more uniform and even. In contrast, natural crystals are those that include elements of minerals, such as air bubbles or cracks, which are often used in the process of certifying their origin.
Pricing and Market Position: Being effectively rare and individual properties, natural crystals in general are of higher cost. Beads composed of synthetic crystals are shorter in production process and of lower price, are so much more known and occupy a larger space in the market compared to jewelry and decorative products market.
Which one is better?
If you are the type of person who honors the earth's design and the rarity of objects, then the good option is the natural crystals. However, if you are looking for a more durable alternative with a more uniform look, the answer can also be found in synthetic crystals.
Crystal Quality Standards
Crystals' quality is a major determinant of their market price. The degree of transparency, color, inclusions, cutting, and shape are all significant factors in determining the visual appeal and thus the value of the crystal. Listed below are the specific repercussions of each of these factors on the price of crystals, along with some examples taken from the real-life crystal items.
Transparency
Transparency is a key factor when discussing the quality of a crystal. The more the transparency, the more it can be shinier and have a good visual effect. On the contrary, crystals that have poor transparency might have bubbles, cracks, or results of uneven inclusions, thus affecting their visual appeal but also their value.
Crystals with a high level of transparency are usually very expensive, particularly those that are actually without traces of inclusions, cracks, or bubbles. The crystal such as these ones can reflect light in a very good way and create a stunning effect.
For instance, Clear Brazilian Quartz is a type of crystal that is always in demand because of its first-rate transparency. Crystals of Brazilian Natural Quartz, which do not have cracks, bubbles, or inclusions, and therefore achieve a very high degree of transparency, can be sold for more than $200 per gram. Due to their great clarity and sparkle, these gemstones are often worn in expensive jewelry and found in high-end decorations.
Crystals that have lower transparency, those that are more impure or those that have more inclusions are generally less expensive. By way of example, some Brazilian Amethyst Rough, which are known for their higher inclusions and lower transparency, typically retail from $5 to $10 per gram and are used mainly in everyday jewelry as opposed to expensive designs.
Color
The color is the most crucial element in deciding the quality and subsequent value of a crystal. Simply put, the more vibrant and even-colored a crystal is, the more it is worth.
Even One Color Crystals: Such type crystals usually need higher prices; a particularly frequent order of this kind is that of amicite.
Deep-Lavender Amethyst, which comes from Brazil, is the crystal of choice due to its very deep and rich purple color. Besides this, it reaches a price that is higher amethyst such as $1,500 per kilogram on the market. Its beauty and rarity make it a highly valued crystal.
Irregularly Colored Crystals: Unevenly colored crystals with paler hues tend to have lower market prices. A case in point is the Light Amethyst from South America, which is lighter and has a less vibrant purple hue and typically sells for around $5 to $10 per gram.
Inclusions
Inclusions or inclusions are impurity or natural marks inside natural crystals. Such inclusions can sometimes enhance the uniqueness and economic value of the crystal, especially when the inclusions take distinct forms. On the other hand, too many inclusions can affect the general look and thus the value of the crystal negatively.
Illuminated crystals that have few or irregular inclusions are generally sought after, especially when they have unique inclusion patterns. For instance, from Brazil, the Golden Rutilated Quartz is included with beautiful golden titanium inclusions. These kinds of specimens usually cost around $50 to $100 per gram and these are for the ones that are of high quality with even golden strands and no cracks.
Equally, crystals that exist with many inclusions or those that have clear and widespread cracks tend to have lower prices in the market. For example, the Amethyst Geode with Inclusions is a particular case, as it is mainly filled with inclusions like bubbles, impurities, or cracks and, thus, its price is around $10 to $20 per gram.
Cutting and Shape
Cutting refers to the process through which a crystal is shaped to form a particular design. The rate of the cut also influences the gem's luster and visual beauty. For that reason, a good-cut crystal is worth more, as it can enhance the colors and transparency.
High-quality cuts make the gem shine brighter and appear as a result more attractive. Swarovski crystals are known for their precision cutting, and items like Swarovski Crystal Pendants are prized for sparkling with a brilliant light. These crystals typically sell for over $30 each, owing to their fine cutting and shine.
On the contrary, poorly cut crystals rarely catch the light well, which makes their color and clarity less, thus lowering their price. Such types are usually used in simple jewelry with around $10 per gram.
Major Natural Crystal-Producing Regions
Natural crystals are found globally and the crystals from each area have their own unique nature based on the environmental, climate, and geological factors. Some of the well-known areas where crystals are produced are:
Brazil: Brazil, in clear quartz, amethyst, and rose quartz, is one of the major suppliers of crystals worldwide and is particularly recognized. The crystals from Brazil have a high standard and show good transparency and stable properties.
Argentina: Unique-colored crystals, such as green and white crystals, are found in areas primarily located in the Andes mountain range in Argentina. Argentinian crystals are hard enough and they are excellent for jewelry, crafts, and much more.
South Africa: South Africa is also a powerful mineral resource and at the same time a producer of quality crystals. The amethyst and black crystals from South Africa are the most valuable.
United States: The U.S. is home to big crystal deposits with the largest ones in Arizona and Arkansas. Some American crystals are even believed to be energy stones that posses abnormal energy property.
Synthetic Crystal Brands
The improvement in technology that comes with the use of synthetic crystals for production has seen the emergence of several brands, which are all focused on manufacturing high-quality synthetic crystal products. The following brands are among those that are most recognized within the industry: Swarovski, and another brand focused on high quality synthetic crystals for fashion jewelry and custom jewelry, and Zirconia.
Swarovski: The world-famous crystal brand is known for producing synthetic crystals of high quality and purity. They are widely used in jewelry, fashion accessories, and home décor.
Preciosa: A well-established crystal brand from the Czech Republic, founded in 1948. It offers high-quality crystal products, including jewelry, crystal decorations, and accessory components. Preciosa's crystals are widely used in fashion, home decor, stage decorations, and other fields.
Zirconia: This brand deals with high-quality synthetic crystals and is known for their color and transparency. Zirconia crystals are often seen in wedding and special occasions jewelry designs where they are used as stone substitutes.
Conclusion
Choosing a crystal that fits your personal style and taste is easier when you know the differences between natural and synthetic crystals, learn about the crystal quality standards, major crystal-producing regions, the most used synthetic crystal brands, etc. Whether you're buying a stone as a collector or a decorative piece for your home, the right crystal will surely bring beauty and energy to your life.