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Journey into the crystal

[Touring exhibition]In our quest for the riches of the centre of the Earth, we have been discovering stones of varying shapes and substances since prehistoric times. Some stones have very unusual angular shapes with flat, fairly smooth sides, as if they had been manufactured. These natural angular shapes have long been a source of inspiration to learn more about the structure and composition of these fascinating objects.

Crystallography is little known to the public, even though it underpins much of the research into matter in physics, chemistry, new materials and life sciences. You could say crystallography originated with humanity’s exploration and interaction of these natural wonders. The study of matter continues apace today where we see crystallography is present in almost every field of science and technology.

The importance of crystallography provides a compelling argument to show as wide a community as possible, including children and junior students, the value of this scientific discipline [Hodeau and Guinebretière (2015). J. Appl. Cryst. 48, doi:10.1107/S160057671501064X].

With this goal in mind a travelling exhibition, Journey into the crystal, was launched to share with the general public the importance of the science and beauty of matter in the crystalline state. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey of discovery about matter, but also on a journey through time to the beginning of crystallography.

Through the journey into the crystal, the public discover why the crystal is intriguing, how it is so useful to science and how it plays such an important role in our daily lives. Visitors learn about the birth of crystallography and the multiple facets of crystals as objects of beauty, objects of science and contemporary objects with numerous applications.

The discoveries in crystallography of the 20th century have dispelled the mysteries about atomic structure and the physical properties of crystals, giving them a new place at the heart of modern civilisation. Crystals are now research tools used in investigations that cover an immense range, from the composition of our planet Earth to the microscopic structures of materials and the molecules of life.

The exhibition has already visited places such as Algeria, Ghana, India, Belgium, Argentina, and many other countries. The mission is to continue the road trip. If you would like to inquire about the exhibition visiting an institution near you please get in touch, med@iucr.org

You can find more details on our site Crystallography matters... more! http://www.iycr2014.org/resource-materials/voyage