**Crystal (#0excludeGlossary Glossary Term)**
In the cannabis world, #1excludeGlossary refers to the sparkling trichomes that blanket the buds of the plant. These trichomes are the resin glands that produce and store the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes, which are essential for its psychoactive and therapeutic effects. The etymology of #2excludeGlossary can be traced back to the Greek “krustallos,” which means “ice” or “frozen,” a nod to the frosty appearance of these trichomes. Historically, the term #6excludeGlossary has been associated with clarity and purity, qualities that are mirrored in the pristine, potent nature of cannabis trichomes. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, the presence of crystals on a plant is often used as a benchmark for quality, making it a term of great importance for enthusiasts and professionals alike. [Source: Wikipedia, MedPub]
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. The scientific study of crystals and crystal formation is known as crystallography. The process of crystal formation via mechanisms of crystal growth is called crystallization or solidification.
The word crystal derives from the Ancient Greek word κρύσταλλος (krustallos), meaning both "ice" and "rock crystal", from κρύος (kruos), "icy cold, frost".
Examples of large crystals include snowflakes, diamonds, and table salt. Most inorganic solids are not crystals but polycrystals, i.e. many microscopic crystals fused together into a single solid. Polycrystals include most metals, rocks, ceramics, and ice. A third category of solids is amorphous solids, where the atoms have no periodic structure whatsoever. Examples of amorphous solids include glass, wax, and many plastics.
Despite the name, lead crystal, crystal glass, and related products are not crystals, but rather types of glass, i.e. amorphous solids.
Crystals, or crystalline solids, are often used in pseudoscientific practices such as crystal therapy, and, along with gemstones, are sometimes associated with spellwork in Wiccan beliefs and related religious movements.
English
Alternative forms
- christal, christall, chrystal, chrystall, cristal, cristall, crystall (all obsolete)
Etymology
From Middle English crystal, cristal, criȝstall, from Old English cristalla (“crystal”), a borrowing from Latin crystallum (“crystal, ice”) (later reinforced from Anglo-Norman cristall and Middle French cristal, from Latin crystallum
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