The Beauty and Science of Crystal Collecting

Embark on a captivating journey into the world of crystals in this 21-minute TEDx talk by Ba Tuyen Nguyen. Explore the fascinating realm of crystallography as the speaker shares his passion for collecting and studying crystal samples. Discover the intricate beauty, colorful nature, and unique characteristics of crystals, learning about their composition of symmetrically arranged atoms and molecules. Gain insights into the speaker's background in astronomy and geology, and his role in promoting scientific exploration among children. Delve into the scientific aspects of crystals, including their connection to human DNA and the mathematical principles governing their structure. Experience the speaker's journey as a crystal collector, emphasizing the value of natural, unaltered samples and the geological processes that shape them over millions of years. Learn about the technical challenges and creative solutions involved in photographing crystals, including focus stacking techniques and improvised equipment. Throughout the talk, be inspired by the speaker's enthusiasm for sharing the beauty and knowledge of crystals, and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate world of crystallography and its connection to other scientific disciplines.