Crystals: More than just shiny rocks
6/16/202635 min
This episode shines a light on crystals, and they’re sparkling right back at us! We’ll zoom way in on a diamond to understand the structure that makes crystals special, and hear about some unexpected crystals, too (hint: chocolate chip cookies contain a few different crystals!). Then, we take a look at how crystals form and get their cool colors. Plus, Marc and Sanden hunt down a hoax about Mesoamerican crystal skulls. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. Fall 2026 show announcement coming soon! June 20 - Southern Theater, Columbus, OH June 21 - Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSpeaker 10:00
[upbeat music] Lemonada.
Laila· Host0:02
[upbeat music] Brains On Universe. You're listening to Brains On, where we're serious about being curious.
Speaker 30:14
Okay, I'm here. You can get started now.
Molly Bloom· Host0:19
Um, hi. I'm Molly, and this is Laila.
Laila· Host0:23
Hello.
Speaker 30:24
So nice to meet you. I'm Crystal.
Molly Bloom· Host0:26
Nice to meet you, Crystal. Although I'm a little confused why you're in the studio. We're, we're just about to start taping.
Speaker 30:32
Whew. Then I'm right on time. I thought I was late.
Molly Bloom· Host0:36
Um, I, um- I was so thrilled when I heard that you were doing an episode all about crystals.
Laila· Host0:44
Oh, I see. Your name is Crystal.
Speaker 30:47
You bet it is.
Laila· Host0:48
But this is our time to start taping.
Menaka Wilhelm0:50
[door knocking] Hi there. Sorry I'm running a few minutes late. So nice to meet you. I'm Crystal.
Speaker 30:56
Likewise.
Menaka Wilhelm0:57
Oh, how fun.
Molly Bloom· Host0:59
Two Crystals.
Joya Cooley· Guest1:00
[door knocking] Hi. Um, is this where the Crystal taping is?
Speaker 31:04
Sure is.
Menaka Wilhelm1:05
Come on in.
Laila· Host1:06
Let me guess, your name is Crystal.
Joya Cooley· Guest1:08
Oh, wow. How did you know?
Speaker 31:12
Crystal, this is Crystal.
Menaka Wilhelm1:15
Hi.
Speaker 31:16
And I'm Crystal.
Joya Cooley· Guest1:17
Such a pleasure.
Molly Bloom· Host1:18
[door knocking] Come on in, Crystal.
Speaker 31:20
Oh, good. You were expecting me. Sorry I'm late. Hi, everybody. Hey, Crystal.
Menaka Wilhelm1:25
Hi, Crystal.
Molly Bloom· Host1:25
Crystal, this is Crystal, Crystal, and Crystal.
Speaker 31:28
What a treat.