Explore the fascinating world of condensed matter physics in this 50-minute lecture by Felix Flicker. Discover how the principles of quantum mechanics manifest in everyday materials, from the formation of crystals to the creation of exotic particles. Learn about practical applications like LEDs and superconductors, and delve into topics such as birefringence, bismuth, crystal structures, quasiparticles, and scanning tunneling microscopy. Gain insights into the quantum underpinnings of matter and understand how modern physics can be viewed as a form of practical magic, illuminating the wizardry behind the world around us.