The Classification And Formation Of Crystals :: essays research papers

The Classification and Formation of CrystalsIntroductionPurposeMy purpose of this sample is to find out how crystals are formed andhow they are classified. For a long time, Ive been interested in crystals, so Ive decided this experiment would be perfect for meCrystallographyThe study of the growth, shape, and geometric characteristics ofcrystals is called crystallography. When the conditions are right, eachchemical element and compound can crystallize in a definite and characteristicform. cardinal classes of crystals are theoretically possible, almost allcommon minerals fall into oneness of about twelve classes, and some classes agreenever been seen. The thirty-two classes are separate into six crystal schemas,based on the length and position of the crystal axes. Crystal axes areimaginary lines passing through the center of the crystals. Minerals in eachsystem share certain proportions and crystal form and many important opticalproperties.The six crystal systems are very import ant to a mineralogists andgeologists stipulation of the system is necessary in the description of eachcrystal system.IsometricThis system comprises crystals with three axes, all perpendicular to oneanother and all have equal length.TetragonalThis system comprises crystals with three axes, all perpendicular to oneanother but only two are equal in length.OrthorhombicThis system comprises crystals with three mutually perpendicular axes,all of different lengths.MonoclinicThis system comprises crystals with three axes, all unequal in length,two o which are not perpendicular to another, but both of which areperpendicular to the third.TriclinicThis system comprises crystals with three axes, all unequal in lengthand is not perpendicular to one another.HexagonalThis system comprises crystals with four axes. Three of these axes arein a single plane, proportionally spaced, and of equal length. The fourth axisis perpendicular to the other three. some(a) crystallographers split the hexagonalin t wo, calling the seventh system trigonal or rhombohedral.Formation of CrystalsCrystals are formed when a liquid becomes solid or when a vapor orliquid solution becomes supersaturated. Some substances tends to form seed