Science Experiments | Crystals - Crystal formation

Crystal formation

The size and shape of a crystal depends on how it is formed. Impurities, temperature, pressure, and the amount of space will affect what a crystal looks like. In snowflakes, for example, colder temperatures produce crystal snowflakes with sharper tips on the sides. Snowflakes that grow under warmer conditions grow more slowly, resulting in smoother shapes.

Crystals only grow large and perfect under specific conditions. Most crystals grow irregularly and sometimes it is difficult to distinguish their faces. It is rare to find a flawless crystal, which is why such perfect crystals are worth great amounts of money. While one crystal is growing it may enclose crystals of other minerals. These enclosures will appear as a visible mark in the crystal. A crystal pushed upon by some outside force can develop a twisted or bent shape.

While natural crystals can often contain flaws, artificial or

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