The terminology can vary, but generally:
- **Stones:** This term is often used casually and can refer to any naturally occurring solid substance, including minerals and crystals.
- **Minerals:** This term is more specific and refers to naturally occurring inorganic solid substances with a crystalline structure and a defined chemical composition.
- **Crystals:** Crystals are a specific form of minerals with a highly ordered and repeating internal structure. All crystals are minerals, but not all minerals are crystals.
When discussing the metaphysical or spiritual aspects, people often use the term "crystals" more commonly, as it emphasizes the structured and aesthetically pleasing aspects of these minerals. However, in geological or mineralogical contexts, "minerals" is the more precise term.
