Rock crystal

Rock crystal
Crystal Crys"tal (kr[i^]s"tal), n. [OE. cristal, F. cristal, L. crystallum crystal, ice, fr. Gr. kry`stallos, fr. kry`os icy cold, frost; cf. AS. crystalla, fr. L. crystallum; prob. akin to E. crust. See {Crust}, {Raw}.] 1. (Chem. & Min.) 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}. [1913 Webster]

2. 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}. [1913 Webster]

3. A species of glass, more perfect in its composition and manufacture than common glass, and often cut into ornamental forms. See {Flint glass}. [1913 Webster]

4. The glass over the dial of a watch case. [1913 Webster]

5. Anything resembling crystal, as clear water, etc. [1913 Webster]

The blue crystal of the seas. --Byron. [1913 Webster]

{Blood crystal}. See under {Blood}.

{Compound crystal}. See under {Compound}.

{Iceland crystal}, a transparent variety of calcite, or crystallized calcium carbonate, brought from Iceland, and used in certain optical instruments, as the polariscope.

{Rock crystal}, or {Mountain crystal}, any transparent crystal of quartz, particularly of limpid or colorless quartz. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Rock crystal — Rock Rock, n. [OF. roke, F. roche; cf. Armor. roc h, and AS. rocc.] 1. A large concreted mass of stony material; a large fixed stone or crag. See {Stone}. [1913 Webster] Come one, come all! this rock shall fly From its firm base as soon as I. Sir …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • rock crystal — Crystal Crys tal (kr[i^]s tal), n. [OE. cristal, F. cristal, L. crystallum crystal, ice, fr. Gr. kry stallos, fr. kry os icy cold, frost; cf. AS. crystalla, fr. L. crystallum; prob. akin to E. crust. See {Crust}, {Raw}.] 1. (Chem. & Min.) The… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • rock crystal — ► NOUN ▪ transparent quartz, typically in the form of colourless hexagonal crystals …   English terms dictionary

  • rock crystal — n. a transparent, esp. colorless, quartz …   English World dictionary

  • rock crystal — transparent quartz, esp. when colorless. [1660 70] * * * Transparent variety of the silica mineral quartz that is valued for its clarity and total lack of colour or flaws. Rock crystal formerly was used extensively as a gemstone, but it has been… …   Universalium

  • rock crystal — kalnų krištolas statusas T sritis chemija apibrėžtis Bespalvis, skaidrus kvarcas. formulė SiO₂ atitikmenys: angl. rock crystal rus. горный хрусталь …   Chemijos terminų aiškinamasis žodynas

  • rock crystal — rock′ crys tal n. mir transparent quartz, esp. when colorless • Etymology: 1660 …   From formal English to slang

  • Rock crystal vase — A rock crystal vase is a vase made of rock crystal. Some such vases were rare expensive items, decorated with gold and jewels, used by royalty in Europe.A rock crystal vase that probably originated in the seventh century was given to William IX… …   Wikipedia

  • Rock crystal ewer — Carved from a single block of rock crystal, this ewer is a work of outstanding quality. It is one of a series that survives in collections across Europe. They are often in cathedral treasuries, where they were rededicated after being captured… …   Wikipedia

  • rock crystal — noun Date: 1666 crystal 1 …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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