Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

Crystals Vs. Gems Information for Kids

Crystals Vs. Gems Information for Kids thumbnail
When a crystal becomes a gem.

All gems are crystals, but not all crystals are gems. It takes a special type of stone to become a valuable gem.

  1. Minerals

    • Crystals and gems are both minerals.
      Crystals and gems are both minerals.

      Crystals and gems are types of minerals. A mineral is a naturally occurring solid substance put together in an orderly fashion. Most minerals are compounds, but a few, such as gold and silver, are elements.

    Crystals

    • Crystals are classified by their shape.
      Crystals are classified by their shape.

      The term "crystal" includes many types of stones. In fact, the Earth's composition is 85 percent crystal. Crystals are classified by their designs. Although thousands of crystals are in the world, they come in six basic designs.

    Gems

    • Gems are cut and polished.
      Gems are cut and polished.

      Gems are fancy crystals. A crystal is considered a gem if it is cut and polished. Cutting and polishing is expensive and time consuming, so only the most valuable crystals become gems.

    Value

    Fun Fact

    • The word crystal comes from the Greek word for ice, "krystallos." This is because ancient people thought that crystals were pieces of ice that would never melt.

Related Searches:

References

  • Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Cliff Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jarno Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sherrie Thai Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sabrina Mae Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Stephen Durham

Comments

You May Also Like

  • Facts About Crystals & Gems

    Comments. You May Also Like. Learning about Crystals for Kids. Crystals are among the Earth's most beautiful creations, appearing in the patterns...

  • Lessons About Rocks, Gems and Crystals for Students

    For younger students, hands-on science activities often provide more excitement and stimulation for learning than do straightforward lecture lessons. Rocks, crystals ...

  • How Are Crystals Formed (for Kids)?

    Kids are attracted to crystals for their wide variety of aesthetically pleasing shapes and bright, pretty colors. Natural rock crystals take thousands...

  • Learning about Crystals for Kids

    Crystals are among the Earth's most beautiful creations, appearing in the patterns of snowflakes, the ice in your freezer or stones in...

  • How to Mine for Gems

    Gem mining in the United States is a popular travel past time. One of the most popular states for gem mining is...

  • Information for Kids About the Statue of Liberty

    The Statue of Liberty stands on its very own 12-acre island, Liberty Island, in New York City. France gave the U.S. the...

  • How to Make Crystals for Kids

    Making crystals with your kids can be a fun way to teach geology, or a great accompaniment to your earth science curriculum....

  • Interesting Facts for Kids About Amethysts

    Amethysts are beautiful pieces of quartz once thought to be very valuable gemstones. Found in many parts of the world from the...

  • Amethyst Crystal Facts for Kids

    The amethyst, pronounced "am-ǝ-thist," one of the most popular of crystals, dates back thousands of years. This member of the quartz family...

  • Moonstone Gem Facts

    Available in different colors, moonstone gems are believed to carry mystical powers and are sought after by the adherents of some religions....

  • Information About Italy for Kids

    What do kids and Italians share? Passion--for pizza, ice cream, soccer and spaghetti, plus a passion for adventure that is reflected in...

  • Information on Ruby Gem Mines in North Carolina

    Ruby gemstones typically have a deep red color. North Carolina's Cowee Valley is known for its corundum mineral deposits, which include rubies...

  • Facts About the Sun for Kids

    Everyone knows that the sun rises every morning and sets every night, but not as many people know just how important the...

  • Vitamin & Mineral Information for Kids

    Vitamins and minerals are the fuel of the human body. KidsHealth states that a certain amount of vitamins and minerals, depending on...

  • Information on Uses for Gemstones & Crystals

    A lot of people believe that gemstones and crystals work because they are part of the earth and, therefore, connect them to...

  • Places to Look for Gems

    If you are somewhat adventurous and like the idea of possibly finding a treasure while on vacation, looking for gems might be...

  • Computer Facts for Kids

    Computers are a part of everyday life in our society. Kids of all ages use computers, and every year computer scientists discover...

  • Crystal Gem Identification

    Gems and crystals are both types of minerals--meaning they have a crystalline internal structure. They're often referred to together as gemstones. Types...

  • Types of Crystals & Gems

    Minerals naturally occurring in the earth usually form in crystalline structures. Scientists classify these crystals into four groups according to their physical...

  • Ninja Games for Kids

    Ninja Games for Kids. The allure of ninjas does not only affect adults. Many children like to pretend that they have what...

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured