Chemistry produces materials and releases energy by ionic or electronic rearrangements. Three structure types affect the ease with which a reaction occurs. In the Earth's crust, "solid crystals" change chemically only with extreme heat and pressure, unless their fixed ions touch moving fluids. On the other hand, in living things, "liquid crystals" are changed (and reactions are therefore controllable) with small alterations in temperature, pH or oxygen levels. In the atmosphere, the gaseous "fluids" move easily but, being so "dilute," they like solids, need extreme energy such as ultraviolet radiation or electrical storms if they are to make new materials. (Contains 3 figures and 1 online resource.)