Crystal shapes
Mineral crystals form distinct shapes, depending on their structure. Figuring
out which shape can help you identify the mineral. (These shapes may not always
be easy to see without a special microscope, especially if the mineral grows
in groups.)
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Mica forms in sheets |
Quartz can crystalize as a pyramid
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Apatite forms six-sided columns (hexagon)
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Fluorite crystals may form as cubes
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Calcite can crystalize in a dog-tooth shape
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Now, what kind of crystal shape does our cool object have? I'll give
you one guess!
© The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 2000
