The difference between a regular mineral and a crystal is in the crystallization structure. Crystals have a special crystallization structure, there are seven basic crystallization forms, each with a unique geometric and molecular structure:
The form of the isometric crystallization – like a cube or box, not necessarily with perfect angles. Out of the seven crystal systems, the cubic system has the most symmetry. The lengths of all three angles are equal and they connect at right angles. Octahedrons, cubes are based on the square inner structure. Silver, garnet, gold, and diamond, for instance.
The tetragonal crystallization form has four lobes, there are three axes in it. The length of the primary axis might be either short or lengthy. The two axes are parallel and have the same length. Tetragonal crystals can be found in trapezohedra, pyrite, double and eight-sided pyramids, four-sided prisms, and other geometries based on their rectangular core structure.
The hexagonal crystallization form – has six lobes, four axes are included. At an angle of sixty degrees, they cross one another. Right angles are formed when the fourth axis crosses the other axes. Pyramids with two faces, two sides, and four faces are among the crystal forms seen in hexagonal systems. For illustration, consider beryl, cancrinite, apatite, and sugilite.
The triangular form of crystallization has three lobes, a trigonal system’s angles and axes resemble those of hexagonal systems. There will be six sides at the hexagonal system’s base (the ross-section of a prism). There will be three sides in the trigonal system (base cross-section). Rhombohedra, scalenohedra, and three-sided pyramids are examples of crystal structures found in trigonal systems. Ruby, Quartz, Calcite, Agate, Jasper, Tiger’s Eyes, and other common specimens are just a few.
The orthorhombic crystallization form is similar to a rhombus shape, it consists of three axes that are perpendicular to one another. Different lengths exist. The orthorhombic system contains many crystal structures such as pyramids, double pyramids, rhombic pyramids, and pinacoids based on their rhombic structure. Numerous crystals, such as topaz, tanzanite, iolite, zoisite, and others, are orthorhombic crystals.
The monoclinic crystallization form – It has three axes, two of which are at right angles to one another and one of which is inclined. The lengths of the three axes vary. Basal pinacoids and prisms with angled end faces are included in the monoclinic system based on the inner structure. Diopside, Petalite, Kunzite, Gypsum, Hiddenite, Howlite, Vivianite, and more are a few examples.
The triclinic crystallization form— The least symmetrical crystal system exists. The length of all three axes is the same, and they are all inclined toward one another. The numerous crystal formations are in the paired faces according to the three inclined angles. Labradorite, Amazonite, Kyanite, Rhodonite, Aventurine Feldspar, and Turquoise are a few examples of common triclinic systems.
