Definition of Crystal
Crystals are solids that come into being by a regular repeated pattern of molecules connecting together. In some solids, the arrangements of the building blocks i.e. atoms and molecules can be unsystematic or very different all over the material. In crystals, nevertheless, a collections of atoms called the Unit Cell is repeated in exactly the same arrangement over and over throughout the whole material.
As a result of this repetitive nature, crystals can take on strange and interesting looking forms naturally. When one grows crystals one is separating all the building block molecules into individual units in water and letting them fall naturally into their appropriate place in the repetitive structure as the water evaporates.
Crystals and Crystal Systems
Unit Cells
When atoms or molecules are lined up in an organized arrangement and connected by bonds, and these atoms or molecules have a repeating pattern, one can then say this material is a crystalline substance. The smallest sub-division of a crystal is a unit cell. It is a regular pattern of atoms held together by electrical forces or bonds. These unit cells are far too minute to be seen individually but can be combined together in incredibly large numbers to form visible shapes.
Crystal Systems
When the unit cells group together they leave no empty spaces between themselves. This results in a limited number of crystal systems that can form. These systems can be grouped as follows:
- Isometric or cubic
- Tetragonal
- Orthorhombic
- Monoclinic
- Triclinic
- Hexagonal
Growing Crystals
Crystal growth is a very orderly and regulated process. A crystal grows from the south side with the atoms of the compound being added in proportion to a very specific pattern.....
