Is There a Difference Between a Crystal and a Gemstone?

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A gem is a rare, high-quality mineral prized for its beauty and value, while a crystal is any solid whose atoms are arranged in a repeating geometric pattern. The two can overlap (a ruby is both), but they are not the same thing: sugar and salt are crystals, not gems. Here is how the terms differ and how each is classified.

It's actually both yes AND no. A gem is a rare mineral. This mineral is of the purest quality, so it is priced highly and considered gem quality. A crystal is a pure substance that has its molecules arranged in such a way that it creates a geometric pattern formation in some way.

These definitions are obviously not the same, but they can potentially sync up. Because a gem is a rare, high-quality mineral, it can certainly be crystalline in nature. However, not all crystals will be made of a rare, high-quality mineral. Thus, these terms aren't synonymous BUT they may coincide with one another on occasion.

You may have already used this distinction in your everyday life and not have known! Consider sugar crystals – you wouldn't call a crystal of sugar a gemstone, would you? Salt crystals are also crystals, but you certainly couldn't call them gemstones either. This goes to show that while sometimes a gem can be a crystal, and vice versa, these two terms aren't synonymous by definition.

One last thing to note is that gems and crystals are usually made through very different means, which can explain why they are different though may coincide with one another. Gems are made organically through minerals or organic matter. Crystals are defined solids that contain atoms, molecules and ions in a fixed order. These then go on to extend to three dimensions, creating a crystalline shape.

Classification Systems

The way we classify both gems and crystals varies, though a gem that is crystalline will occur and fall into both categories. Gems are usually categorized based on their chemical makeup -- what makes this gem the gem that it is? What trace minerals can be found within it that make up its color scheme? How is it structured? Gems are then typically cut to size after their value is determined (see our faceted and cabochon stones)

Crystals, on the other hand, are usually classified by their shape. This can mean a cubic crystal, a tetragonal crystal, a or a hexagonal crystal. Other crystal classifications include orthorhombic, monoclinic and rhombohedral. Crystals are also categorized by their crystal system, which refers to a subcategory of the above lattice systems.

Gemology and crystallography lingo can be confusing to many if they're unfamiliar with the nuances of these studies – so if you've ever accidentally called a rock a gem or an amber stone a crystal, don't worry! You aren't the first and you won't be the last. Hopefully we've helped to set the record straight on what makes a gem a gem, and also what makes a crystal a crystal.