Crystals

Front

What is a crystal?

Back

A crystal is a solid material whose atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern, forming a crystal lattice.

Front

What are the main types of crystal systems?

Back

The main types of crystal systems are: Cubic, Tetragonal, Orthorhombic, Hexagonal, Monoclinic, Triclinic, and Rhombohedral.

Front

What is a cubic crystal structure?

Back

A cubic crystal structure is one where the unit cell is shaped like a cube, with equal lengths and angles of 90 degrees.

Front

Give an example of a mineral with a cubic crystal structure.

Back

Halite and Galena are examples of minerals with a cubic crystal structure.

Front

What is a tetragonal crystal structure?

Back

A tetragonal crystal structure has a unit cell that is shaped like a rectangular prism, with two equal lengths and one different length.

Front

Give an example of a mineral with a tetragonal crystal structure.

Back

An example of a mineral with a tetragonal crystal structure is Zircon.

Front

What is a monoclinic crystal structure?

Back

A monoclinic crystal structure has a unit cell with unequal lengths and two angles that are not 90 degrees.

Front

Give an example of a mineral with a monoclinic crystal structure.

Back

Orthoclase is an example of a mineral with a monoclinic crystal structure.

Front

What is a hexagonal crystal structure?

Back

A hexagonal crystal structure has a unit cell shaped like a hexagonal prism, with angles of 120 degrees.

Front

Give an example of a mineral with a hexagonal crystal structure.

Back

Quartz is an example of a mineral with a hexagonal crystal structure.