There are many factors that affect the value of a crystal, and one of them is “clarity.” Clarity is about how pure and transparent the crystal is; the higher the clarity, the higher the crystal’s value.
However, within the crystal family, there is a type of crystal that contains various inclusions but is still very precious—this is Crystal Symbiosis (also known as: associated crystals, symbiotic crystals, crystal symbiotic stones, crystal companion minerals).
In gemstones with inclusions, the first one we often think of is amber, which contains ancient plants and animals that have greatly helped researchers study ancient life forms. Crystal symbiosis contains a rich variety of minerals and truly records the shapes and changes of various minerals on Earth.
1.What is Crystal Symbiosis? (Basic Concept)
Crystal Symbiosis is a unique crystal growth form that can appear in many geological environments. It refers to the phenomenon where multiple crystals grow together. This can occur when different types of crystals are present within or on the surface of one crystal. For example, in the same crystal, aside from the main crystal component, there are other types of stones growing together. This phenomenon is rare in nature, and crystals with symbiotic stones are often considered precious and unique collectibles.
Crystal symbiosis can take many forms, such as quartz and mica symbiosis, calcite and quartz symbiosis, tourmaline and quartz symbiosis, etc.
Crystal symbiosis can take many forms, such as quartz and mica symbiosis, calcite and quartz symbiosis, tourmaline and quartz symbiosis, etc.
2.Crystal Symbiosis vs. Impurities
In crystallography, impurities refer to chemical elements or molecules that do not belong to the crystal lattice. These impurities enter the crystal and cause irregular changes in shape or color.
Crystal symbiosis, on the other hand, is a natural growth form. Different types of crystals grow together in a shared environment, but they do not occupy each other’s space or interfere with each other’s lattice structure. It is a natural phenomenon created by the forces of nature.
Therefore, crystal symbiosis is not an impurity; it is a natural occurrence where multiple crystals grow together without affecting each other’s structure or properties. Crystal symbiosis shows a rich variety of shapes and structures, making it not only beautiful but also scientifically valuable and collectible.
Crystal symbiosis, on the other hand, is a natural growth form. Different types of crystals grow together in a shared environment, but they do not occupy each other’s space or interfere with each other’s lattice structure. It is a natural phenomenon created by the forces of nature.
Therefore, crystal symbiosis is not an impurity; it is a natural occurrence where multiple crystals grow together without affecting each other’s structure or properties. Crystal symbiosis shows a rich variety of shapes and structures, making it not only beautiful but also scientifically valuable and collectible.
3.Is Crystal Symbiosis Good?
Whether crystal symbiosis is good depends on its quality—clarity, purity, color, size, carving, the shape and color of the accompanying minerals, and the shape and color of the symbiotic crystals. Of course, the most important factor is your personal connection with it. If you like it and feel that it nurtures you, it’s the best for you.
Symbiotic crystals are naturally unique and one-of-a-kind. You won’t find two exactly the same in the world. For example, phantom crystals and ghost crystals are both types of symbiotic crystals.
Due to their uniqueness and irregular shapes, it is difficult to judge if one is better or worse. Instead, the difference lies in the quality and characteristics. Without symbiosis, it would just be regular white quartz, rose quartz, amethyst, or citrine.
Typically, high-quality inclusions + transparent, pure crystals + rarity = a price that might bring tears to your eyes!
Symbiotic crystals are naturally unique and one-of-a-kind. You won’t find two exactly the same in the world. For example, phantom crystals and ghost crystals are both types of symbiotic crystals.
Due to their uniqueness and irregular shapes, it is difficult to judge if one is better or worse. Instead, the difference lies in the quality and characteristics. Without symbiosis, it would just be regular white quartz, rose quartz, amethyst, or citrine.
Typically, high-quality inclusions + transparent, pure crystals + rarity = a price that might bring tears to your eyes!
4.Meaning and Uses of Crystal Symbiosis
The meaning and uses of crystal symbiosis vary depending on culture and personal belief.
In some cultures, crystals are believed to have energy and spiritual power, influencing a person’s luck and health. The presence of a symbiotic stone may be interpreted to symbolize harmony, balance, or a special protective power.
However, these beliefs are often based on personal faith and psychological comfort. Whether crystal symbiosis is good or not primarily depends on your preferences and needs.
If you have a deep interest in crystals and stones, or if you believe they hold some mystical power, crystals with symbiotic stones may greatly appeal to you. They can be used as decoration in your home or office, or carried as a protective talisman. If you care more about the practical use of the crystal, such as for jewelry making or investment collection, then choosing high-quality, beautiful symbiotic crystals may be more appropriate.
In some cultures, crystals are believed to have energy and spiritual power, influencing a person’s luck and health. The presence of a symbiotic stone may be interpreted to symbolize harmony, balance, or a special protective power.
However, these beliefs are often based on personal faith and psychological comfort. Whether crystal symbiosis is good or not primarily depends on your preferences and needs.
If you have a deep interest in crystals and stones, or if you believe they hold some mystical power, crystals with symbiotic stones may greatly appeal to you. They can be used as decoration in your home or office, or carried as a protective talisman. If you care more about the practical use of the crystal, such as for jewelry making or investment collection, then choosing high-quality, beautiful symbiotic crystals may be more appropriate.
5.Main Classifications of Crystal Symbiosis
Based on the interactions between crystals, crystal symbiosis can be classified into the following categories:
1.Co-genetic Symbiosis
Co-genetic symbiosis refers to two or more crystals that grow together in the same environment, overlapping and retaining their original crystal form. For example, quartz and mica can grow together in the same environment, without interfering with each other, and each crystal retains its own structure.
2.Accumulative Symbiosis
Accumulative symbiosis occurs when two or more crystals grow in a specific order, stacking upon each other. For example, calcite grows first, and then quartz forms on its surface, gradually building up in layers to create an accumulative symbiotic structure.
3.Inclusion Symbiosis
In inclusion symbiosis, one crystal grows inside another. For example, quartz can grow inside tourmaline, forming an inclusion-type crystal symbiosis.
1.Co-genetic Symbiosis
Co-genetic symbiosis refers to two or more crystals that grow together in the same environment, overlapping and retaining their original crystal form. For example, quartz and mica can grow together in the same environment, without interfering with each other, and each crystal retains its own structure.
2.Accumulative Symbiosis
Accumulative symbiosis occurs when two or more crystals grow in a specific order, stacking upon each other. For example, calcite grows first, and then quartz forms on its surface, gradually building up in layers to create an accumulative symbiotic structure.
3.Inclusion Symbiosis
In inclusion symbiosis, one crystal grows inside another. For example, quartz can grow inside tourmaline, forming an inclusion-type crystal symbiosis.
These are the main types of crystal symbiosis. It’s important to note that these categories are not always strictly separate. Sometimes, the same symbiotic crystal may exhibit multiple features of these types.
