What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cryptocrystalline
Example
The cryptocrystalline structure of chalcedony makes it difficult to distinguish from other minerals. [cryptocrystalline: adjective]
Example
The rock has a cryptocrystalline texture, which means that its crystals are too small to be seen without magnification. [cryptocrystalline: adjective]
microcrystalline
Example
The microcrystalline structure of the mineral requires a microscope to observe its crystal structure. [microcrystalline: adjective]
Example
The rock has a microcrystalline texture, which means that its crystals are too small to be seen without magnification. [microcrystalline: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Microcrystalline is more commonly used than cryptocrystalline in scientific contexts, as it is a broader term that can be applied to various types of minerals or rocks with small crystals. Cryptocrystalline is a more specific term that is used less frequently.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cryptocrystalline and microcrystalline?
Both cryptocrystalline and microcrystalline are formal terms that are used primarily in scientific contexts.
