How To Choose Crystals: A Guide Based On Color, Crystal Structure, Size, And Craftsmanship

Fifteen years ago, I encountered crystals for the first time. I bought my first garnet crystal bracelet on the street, purely because I thought it looked beautiful. The seller mentioned that garnet was beneficial for women’s health. At the time, I didn’t know much about crystals; I just followed my instinct. As I gradually learned more about crystals, I started understanding their symbolic meanings and began selecting crystals based on those meanings.

After many discussions with my friend Ji about the natural characteristics of crystals, We realized how widespread artificial crystals have become in the market. That’s when I decided to write this article to help others choose crystals wisely. I’ll summarize the key points based on four aspects: color, crystal structure, size, and craftsmanship.

Color

Color is one of the most obvious ways to distinguish between natural and artificial crystals:

Color Uniformity: Natural crystals usually have slight variations in color, showing some unevenness. Artificial crystals, on the other hand, have very consistent and uniform color with no obvious differences.
Color Depth: The color of natural crystals tends to be softer and more natural, with varying shades and depth. Artificial crystals often appear overly bright, lacking depth and subtle variations.
Inclusions Affecting Color: Natural crystals may contain bubbles, mineral inclusions, or internal textures, which can affect how the color appears. Artificial crystals are usually clearer with fewer or no internal inclusions.
Luster and Refraction: Natural crystals tend to show different levels of luster and refraction when exposed to light, and their color can change at different angles. Artificial crystals often reflect light in a more uniform way.
Feel and Temperature: Although not directly related to color, natural crystals tend to feel cooler, have a smooth surface, and carry some weight. Artificial crystals may feel lighter and slightly different in texture.

Crystal Structure

Crystal structure is another important factor in distinguishing natural crystals from artificial ones:

Crystal Shape: Natural crystals typically exhibit unique, irregular crystal forms, with uneven edges and surfaces. Artificial crystals, however, have more regular and symmetrical structures, with perfectly smooth surfaces.
Inclusions: Natural crystals often have internal features like bubbles, cracks, or mineral inclusions that form during their natural growth process, while artificial crystals usually have clean interiors without such features.
Growth Striations: Natural crystals may show growth striations or layering from their formation, presenting natural variations. Artificial crystals, on the other hand, are usually free from such marks, with smooth, uniform surfaces.
Transparency: The transparency of natural crystals may vary due to inclusions, giving them a slightly cloudy appearance. Artificial crystals tend to be more transparent and uniform.
Color Variations: The color of natural crystals can shift at different angles, offering a rich and varied luster. In contrast, artificial crystals usually have consistent, unchanging color.

Size of Crystal Particles

The size and shape of crystal particles also help in distinguishing between natural and artificial crystals:

Uniformity in Particle Size: Artificial crystals are typically produced with consistent particle sizes, showing little variation. Natural crystals, however, often have uneven particle sizes, reflecting the diversity of nature.
Particle Shape: The shape of natural crystal particles tends to be more irregular, with rough edges and unique forms. Artificial crystal particles are more uniform and symmetrical, lacking the irregularities found in nature.
Distribution of Particles: Natural crystals may show a mix of large and small particles, forming a diverse distribution, while artificial crystals are typically molded with evenly distributed particles.
Cutting and Polishing: After being cut and polished, natural crystals may still retain some of their grainy characteristics, with slight variations in size and shape. Artificial crystals, however, are highly processed, and their particles are usually cut in a highly consistent manner.

Craftsmanship

Lastly, craftsmanship plays a key role in distinguishing between natural and artificial crystals:

Cutting and Polishing:
- Natural Crystals: These are often cut and polished by hand, and the surface may retain some natural imperfections and irregularities, showcasing their natural texture and uniqueness.
- Artificial Crystals: These are usually machine-processed with precision, resulting in smooth, uniform surfaces with perfectly consistent cutting angles, lacking natural features.
Surface Treatment:
- Natural Crystals: The surface is usually treated less, maintaining its natural appearance, and may feature small cracks or inclusions.
- Artificial Crystals: These often undergo special surface treatments like coatings or polishing to appear more glossy and flawless, though the shine may appear less natural.
Craftsmanship Features:
- Natural Crystals: You may observe natural features such as bubbles, mineral inclusions, or color variations, reflecting their unique formation process.
- Artificial Crystals: They usually lack these natural features, with fewer inclusions and more uniform appearances.
Material Composition:
- Natural Crystals: Composed of complex minerals from the natural environment, possibly containing traces of other minerals.
- Artificial Crystals: Made using specific chemical formulations, resulting in more uniform and simple compositions.
Color and Luster:
- Natural Crystals: The colors tend to be more natural, with a rich variation in luster, and they may display different hues at different angles.
- Artificial Crystals: The colors are often too vibrant and even, and the luster tends to be flatter without much depth.

Conclusion

Choosing a natural crystal requires patience and careful observation. By examining color, crystal structure, particle size, and craftsmanship, you can distinguish between natural and artificial crystals. Natural crystals carry the unique charm of nature, with each piece holding its own energy and story. Although artificial crystals can be beautiful, they lack the authenticity and purity that natural crystals offer. With these insights, you can confidently select a crystal that truly resonates with you, allowing you to feel its energy and power.

I hope this article helps you in your crystal journey, and may every crystal enthusiast find the perfect stone to experience the warmth and strength that nature has to offer.