Liquid crystals were discovered in 1888 when Reinitzer and Lehmann observed two melting points in cholesteryl benzoate. A liquid crystal has properties of both a liquid and solid crystal - it flows like a liquid but its molecules are aligned in a regular pattern like a crystal. Liquid crystals exist in different phases depending on the orientation and order of their molecules, including nematic, smectic, and cholesteric/chiral nematic phases. Current applications of liquid crystals include LCD screens, liquid crystal thermometers, mood rings, and battery charge indicators.