Crystal

A crystal or crystalline solid is a solid material whose constituents are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. In addition, macroscopic single crystals are usually identifiable by their geometrical shape, consisting of flat faces with specific, characteristic orientations. The scientific study of crystals and crystal formation is known as crystallography.

The process of crystal formation via mechanisms of crystal growth is called crystallization or solidification.

Back to Geology Basics →

Source: Wikipedia · Image: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

BUDGETROCK

Stone on a budget — rock and hardscaping guides, price know-how, and the budgeting calculators to plan any project.

Get new guides by emailOccasional emails. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

InformationAbout Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Affiliate Disclosure Cookie Policy

Every museum entry, image, fact, and figure is drawn from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, used under public-domain and Creative Commons licenses. No content is AI-generated.