स्फटिक
sphaṭika/spʰɐ.ʈi.kɐ/
The Sanskrit word for crystal is स्फटिक (sphaṭika).
This term specifically refers to crystal quartz.
Meaning: mineral (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /spʰɐ.ʈi.kɐ/. The romanization is sphaṭika.
Did you know?
- In some philosophical texts, the 'crystal' स्फटिक is used to explain the concept of reflection, where the crystal takes on the color of whatever is placed next to it while remaining clear.
- The root of स्फटिक is thought to mean 'to burst forth', suggesting the image of a crystal suddenly appearing or breaking through the earth.
- The term स्फटिक is used in Ayurvedic medicine to describe specific mineral salts used for their astringent and healing properties.
Examples in context
- एषः स्फटिकः अस्ति।eṣaḥ sphaṭikaḥ asti.This is a crystal.
- स्फटिकस्य वर्णः श्वेतः अस्ति।sphaṭikasya varṇaḥ śvetaḥ asti.The color of the crystal is white.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a mineral collection.
- इशान Ishanअनन्ये, एतत् किं वस्तु अस्ति?Ananye, etat kiṃ vastu asti?Ananya, what object is this?
- अनन्या Ananyaइशान, एषः एकः स्फटिकः अस्ति।Iśāna, eṣaḥ ekaḥ sphaṭikaḥ asti.Ishan, this is a crystal.
- इशान Ishanअस्य वर्णः अतीव सुन्दरः अस्ति।Asya varṇaḥ atīva sundaraḥ asti.Its color is very beautiful.
- अनन्या Ananyaआम्, एषः दुर्लभः स्फटिकः अस्ति।Ām, eṣaḥ durlabhaḥ sphaṭikaḥ asti.Yes, this is a rare crystal.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry स्फटिक, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries स्फटिक, CC BY-SA 4.0.
