GENERAL GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -There are four types of crystals: covalent, ionic, metallic, and molecular. Each type has a different type of connection, or bond, between its atoms. The type of atoms and the arrangement of bonds dictate what type of crystal is formed.

Detailed explanation-2: -Minerals also have a definite chemical composition in which the atoms are arranged in an orderly pattern called the “crystalline structure".

Detailed explanation-3: -Crystal form refers to the geometric shape of mineral crystals. Crystal form is caused by the symmetrical, three-dimensional arrangement of atoms inside the mineral. Not all minerals form perfect visible crystal shapes. Some crystals are too small to see.

Detailed explanation-4: -Some mineral crystals have six sides. Others have eight sides, 10 sides, or even more! How many sides do the minerals in your collection have? These pictures show some of the shapes that minerals can have.