CRYSTALS

WHY DO CRYSTALS FORM IN SUCH BEAUTIFUL SHAPES?

Pure crystals always form in regular shapes of particular kinds. Salt forms tiny cubes, and many crystalline minerals consist of beautiful formations of smaller identical crystals.

Crystals take these shapes because the tiny atom inside them are lined up in particular patterns of rows. When the crystal forms, its atoms link together at certain angles. The crystal enlarges as more and more atoms link to those in the crystal at the same angles. In this way the whole crystal grows in a specific shape.