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  • Stones or crystals from Mount Vesuvius. Coloured etching by Pietro Fabris, 1776.
  • Diffraction of electrons on microcrystallitic crystals or powders; aluminium. Photograph by J.J. Trillat.
  • Diffraction of electrons on microcrystallitic crystals or powders; platinum. Photograph by J.J. Trillat.
  • Diffraction of electrons on microcrystallitic crystals or powders; beaten gold. Photograph by J.J. Trillat.
  • Optics: crystals exhibiting interference colours. Colour mezzotint by R.H. Digeon, ca. 1868, after J. Silbermann.
  • Optics: crystals exhibiting interference colours. Colour mezzotint [?] by R.H. Digeon, ca. 1883, after J. Silbermann.
  • Optics: crystals exhibiting interference colours. Colour mezzotint [?] by R.H. Digeon, ca. 1883, after J. Silbermann.
  • Crystals of malic acid, an intermediate in the TCA cycle. This chemical occurs naturally in certain foods giving them a tart flavour and when added to food it is labelled as E296.
  • Models of crystals prepared by Pasteur in his work on the relation between crystalline form, chemical composition and the direction of rotatory polarization.
  • An eye in a star, the spokes of which divide the spectrum of colours; putti hold crystals, a telescope, lens-grinding equipment and a camera obscura; representing optics. Engraving by J. Chapman, 1820, after A.D. McQuin.
  • Human saliva displaying ferning. During the fertile phase of a woman's menstrual cycle an oestrogen surge causes salt crystals to appear in the saliva. When viewed under the microscope the crystalline salt structure resembles fern leaves and can be used as an indication of a woman's increased chances of conceiving at this time.
  • Human saliva displaying ferning. During the fertile phase of a woman's menstrual cycle an oestrogen surge causes salt crystals to appear in the saliva. When viewed under the microscope the crystalline salt structure resembles fern leaves and can be used as an indication of a woman's increased chances of conceiving at this time.
  • Human saliva displaying ferning. During the fertile phase of a woman's menstrual cycle an oestrogen surge causes salt crystals to appear in the saliva. When viewed under the microscope the crystalline salt structure resembles fern leaves and can be used as an indication of a woman's increased chances of conceiving at this time.
  • Morphine crystal
  • Crystal of erythritol
  • Amuletic flask or container of crystal.
  • Aspirin crystals. Aspirin was originally extracted from willow bark but is actually produced in all plants as a defence mechanism in response to damage or attack. Much higher levels are therefore found in less than perfect fruit and vegetables. Aspirin is used to treat pain, reduce fever and to prevent heart disease and cancer. Some people think it should be reclassified as a vitamin.
  • Eye-shaped piece of rock crystal mounted as pendant.
  • The Crystal Palace, London: the lily pond. Photograph, 1851/1862.
  • The Crystal Palace, London: the Egyptian Court (?). Photograph, 1854/1862.
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) crystals imaged by cross polarised light microscopy. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is important for collagen formation and wound healing. A good source of vitamin C is found in a variety of fruit and vegetables including citrus friuts, brussels sprouts and broccoli. It is a water soluble vitamin that cannot be stored in the body so needs to be ingested regularly. A lack of Vitamin C causes scurvy. 100X image magnification.
  • John Dee's crystal, used for clairvoyance & healing, 17th C
  • Crystal meth : gay men, sex and drugs / Terrence Higgins Trust.
  • Crystal meth : gay men, sex and drugs / Terrence Higgins Trust.
  • Crystal meth : gay men, sex and drugs / Terrence Higgins Trust.
  • Crystal meth : gay men, sex and drugs / Terrence Higgins Trust.
  • Crystal meth : gay men, sex and drugs / Terrence Higgins Trust.
  • Crystal meth : gay men, sex and drugs / Terrence Higgins Trust.
  • A hooked cross resembling a snowflake crystal. Watercolour by M. Bishop, 1968.
  • The Crystal Palace, London (?): an exhibit of sea-shells. Photograph, 1851/1862.