Definitions
- Describing a type of mineral with very small crystals that cannot be seen without magnification. - Referring to a texture of rocks or minerals that have a microcrystalline structure. - Talking about a type of sedimentary rock that is composed of cryptocrystalline quartz.
- Describing a substance that lacks a definite shape or form. - Referring to a material that does not have a crystalline structure. - Talking about a type of solid that lacks long-range order in its molecular structure.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe the structure or texture of minerals or materials.
- 2Both words refer to substances that lack a well-defined structure or form.
- 3Both words can be used to describe solids or minerals that do not have a crystalline structure.
What is the difference?
- 1Size: Cryptocrystalline refers to minerals with very small crystals, while amorphous refers to substances that lack any crystal structure.
- 2Structure: Cryptocrystalline implies a microcrystalline structure, while amorphous implies a lack of any ordered structure.
- 3Composition: Cryptocrystalline is often used to describe sedimentary rocks composed of cryptocrystalline quartz, while amorphous can refer to a wide range of substances with no specific composition.
- 4Properties: Cryptocrystalline minerals may exhibit some crystalline properties, while amorphous substances lack any crystalline properties.
- 5Usage: Cryptocrystalline is a more specialized term used mainly in geology and mineralogy, while amorphous is a more general term used in various fields of science and engineering.
Remember this!
Cryptocrystalline and amorphous are both terms used to describe the structure or texture of minerals or materials. However, cryptocrystalline refers to minerals with very small crystals that cannot be seen without magnification, while amorphous refers to substances that lack any crystal structure. Cryptocrystalline is a more specialized term used mainly in geology and mineralogy, while amorphous is a more general term used in various fields of science and engineering.
