Crystal vs. Gem — What's the Difference?

A crystal or crystalline solid is a solid material whose constituents (such as atoms, molecules, or ions) are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. In addition, macroscopic single crystals are usually identifiable by their geometrical shape, consisting of flat faces with specific, characteristic orientations.

A piece of a valuable mineral or minerallike substance that has been cut, polished, or otherwise prepared for use as an ornament.

A piece of a homogeneous solid substance having a natural geometrically regular form with symmetrically arranged plane faces

Something that is valued for its beauty or perfection

Highly transparent glass with a high refractive index

A beloved or highly prized person.

Short for crystal meth (methamphetamine)

A muffin, especially a very small one.

Clear and transparent like crystal

To adorn with gems.

A homogenous solid formed by a repeating, three-dimensional pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules and having fixed distances between constituent parts.

A precious stone, usually of substantial monetary value or prized for its beauty or shine.

The unit cell of such a pattern.

(figuratively) Any precious or highly valued thing or person.

A mineral, especially a transparent form of quartz, having a crystalline structure, often characterized by external planar faces.

Anything of small size, or expressed within brief limits, which is regarded as a gem on account of its beauty or value, such as a small picture, a verse of poetry, or an epigram.

A natural or synthetic crystalline material having piezoelectric or semiconducting properties.

(obsolete) A gemma or leaf-bud.

An electrical or electronic device that makes use of such a material, thereby allowing it to receive radio transmissions.

A type of geometrid moth, Orthonama obstipata.

A high-quality, clear, colorless glass.

(computing) A package containing programs or libraries for the Ruby programming language.

An object, especially a vessel or ornament, made of such glass.

A size of type between brilliant (4-point) and diamond (4½-point), running 222 lines to the foot.

Such objects considered as a group.

(transitive) To adorn with, or as if with, gems.

A clear glass or plastic protective cover for the face of a watch or clock.

A bud.

(Slang) A stimulant drug, usually methamphetamine, in its powdered form.

A precious stone of any kind, as the ruby, emerald, topaz, sapphire, beryl, spinel, etc., especially when cut and polished for ornament; a jewel.

Clear or transparent

Anything of small size, or expressed within brief limits, which is regarded as a gem on account of its beauty or value, as a small picture, a verse of poetry, a witty or wise saying.

(countable) A solid composed of an array of atoms or molecules possessing long-range order and arranged in a pattern which is periodic in three dimensions.

To put forth in the form of buds.

(countable) A piece of glimmering, shining mineral resembling ice or glass.

To adorn with gems or precious stones.

(uncountable) A fine type of glassware, or the material used to make it.

To embellish or adorn, as with gems; as, a foliage gemmed with dewdrops.

Crystal meth: methamphetamine hydrochloride.

A crystalline rock that can be cut and polished for jewelry;

A person's eye.

Art highly prized for its beauty or perfection

The glass over the dial of a watch case.

A person who is a brilliant and precious as a piece of jewelry

Very clear.

A sweet quick bread baked in a cup-shaped pan

The regular form which a substance tends to assume in solidifying, through the inherent power of cohesive attraction. It is bounded by plane surfaces, symmetrically arranged, and each species of crystal has fixed axial ratios. See Crystallization.

A precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry

The material of quartz, in crystallization transparent or nearly so, and either colorless or slightly tinged with gray, or the like; - called also rock crystal. Ornamental vessels are made of it. Cf. Smoky quartz, Pebble; also Brazilian pebble, under Brazilian.

A species of glass, more perfect in its composition and manufacture than common glass, and often cut into ornamental forms. See Flint glass.

The glass over the dial of a watch case.

Anything resembling crystal, as clear water, etc.

Consisting of, or like, crystal; clear; transparent; lucid; pellucid; crystalline.

A solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure

A crystalline element used as a component in various electronic devices

A rock formed by the solidification of a substance; has regularly repeating internal structure; external plane faces

Colorless glass made of almost pure silica

Glassware made of quartz

A protective cover that protects the face of a watch