Crystal

This episode, the second in our Mineralogy and Crystallography course, introduces the concept of crystals. Building upon our understanding of mineralogy, we will explore what crystals are, how they form, and their importance in the world around us. We will delve into the atomic structure of crystals, which dictates their unique properties, and discuss the various ways crystals can grow. This episode lays the foundation for understanding crystal systems, mineral identification, and the broader field of crystallography.

Check your understanding

These are the same multiple-choice questions you will see in the Quiz section after you listen to the episode. Use them here to preview or review the answers.

What is the defining characteristic of a crystal?

  1. Its beautiful shape
  2. Its large size
  3. Its ordered, repeating arrangement of atoms
  4. Its chemical composition

What is the process by which crystals form called?

  1. Melting
  2. Crystallization
  3. Evaporation
  4. Condensation

Which of the following can influence crystal formation?

  1. Temperature
  2. Pressure
  3. Availability of elements
  4. All of the above

What determines a crystal's properties?

  1. Its color
  2. Its size
  3. Its internal structure
  4. Its external shape

Where can crystallization occur?

  1. From liquids
  2. From gases
  3. From other solids
  4. All of the above

Suggested next

Related episodes that are a natural follow-on.

  • Crystal system

    Welcome to the third episode of the Mineralogy and Crystallography course! Building upon our previous discussions of mineralogy and crystals, this episode delves into the fascinating world of crystal systems. We will explore how the internal arrangem… Welcome to the third episode of the Mineralogy and Crystallography course! Building upon our previous discussions of mineralogy and crystals, this episode delves into the fascinating world of crystal systems. We will explore how the internal arrangement of atoms in a crystal dictates its external symmetry and overall shape. The episode will cover the seven crystal systems – cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, hexagonal, trigonal, monoclinic, and triclinic – and their defining characteristics. You'll learn how to identify these systems based on their symmetry elements and crystallographic axes. Understanding crystal systems is fundamental to classifying minerals and predicting their physical properties. This will lay the groundwork to discuss concepts such as the Mohs scale, silicate minerals, and other topics in the future.

  • Crystal habit

    This episode, "Crystal Habit," delves into the characteristic external shapes of minerals. Building upon our understanding of mineralogy, crystals, crystal systems, and mineral cleavage, we explore how internal atomic structure and external growth co… This episode, "Crystal Habit," delves into the characteristic external shapes of minerals. Building upon our understanding of mineralogy, crystals, crystal systems, and mineral cleavage, we explore how internal atomic structure and external growth conditions combine to create the diverse and often stunning forms we observe in minerals. We'll learn that crystal habit is not just about aesthetics; it's a powerful tool for mineral identification and provides valuable clues about the environment in which a mineral formed. We will examine various common crystal habits, including prismatic, cubic, octahedral, fibrous, and more, using descriptive terms and real-world examples. Understanding these habits allows us to connect the microscopic world of atomic arrangements to the macroscopic world of observable mineral forms, enhancing our ability to identify and interpret minerals in the field and laboratory.

  • Mohs scale

    Episode 4 of Mineralogy and Crystallography delves into the Mohs Hardness Scale. This episode builds upon our understanding of mineralogy, crystals, and crystal systems to introduce a crucial tool for mineral identification. We will explore the histo… Episode 4 of Mineralogy and Crystallography delves into the Mohs Hardness Scale. This episode builds upon our understanding of mineralogy, crystals, and crystal systems to introduce a crucial tool for mineral identification. We will explore the history and development of the Mohs scale, learn how it is used to determine a mineral's relative hardness, and discuss the limitations and applications of this important concept. This episode will equip you with the knowledge to use the Mohs scale effectively in mineral identification, preparing you for future topics like silicate minerals and mineral cleavage.

  • Mineral cleavage

    Welcome to the seventh episode of the Mineralogy and Crystallography course! Building upon our previous discussions on mineralogy, crystals, crystal systems, the Mohs scale, silicate minerals, and native element minerals, this episode focuses on mine… Welcome to the seventh episode of the Mineralogy and Crystallography course! Building upon our previous discussions on mineralogy, crystals, crystal systems, the Mohs scale, silicate minerals, and native element minerals, this episode focuses on mineral cleavage. Cleavage is a fundamental property of minerals that describes how they break along specific planes of weakness in their crystal structure. We'll explore the different types of cleavage, how to identify them, and how cleavage relates to the internal arrangement of atoms within a crystal. Understanding cleavage is essential for mineral identification and provides valuable insights into the atomic structure of minerals. It's one of the key physical properties used alongside the hardness, and other characteristics we have covered.

  • X-ray crystallography

    Welcome to the final episode of the Mineralogy and Crystallography course, "X-ray Crystallography." This episode explores the powerful technique that allows us to determine the precise arrangement of atoms within a crystal. Building on our knowledge … Welcome to the final episode of the Mineralogy and Crystallography course, "X-ray Crystallography." This episode explores the powerful technique that allows us to determine the precise arrangement of atoms within a crystal. Building on our knowledge of minerals, crystal systems, and crystal structure, we will discover how X-rays interact with crystals to produce diffraction patterns, and how these patterns can be interpreted to reveal the intricate details of a mineral's internal architecture. X-ray crystallography is a cornerstone of modern mineralogy, materials science, and structural biology. It has revolutionized our understanding of the solid state and has led to countless advances in fields ranging from medicine to materials engineering. By the end of this episode, you'll understand the fundamental principles behind this technique and appreciate its significance in unraveling the atomic-scale secrets of the crystalline world.

Often studied before

Episodes that tend to come earlier on similar paths.

  • Mohs scale

    Episode 4 of Mineralogy and Crystallography delves into the Mohs Hardness Scale. This episode builds upon our understanding of mineralogy, crystals, and crystal systems to introduce a crucial tool for mineral identification. We will explore the histo… Episode 4 of Mineralogy and Crystallography delves into the Mohs Hardness Scale. This episode builds upon our understanding of mineralogy, crystals, and crystal systems to introduce a crucial tool for mineral identification. We will explore the history and development of the Mohs scale, learn how it is used to determine a mineral's relative hardness, and discuss the limitations and applications of this important concept. This episode will equip you with the knowledge to use the Mohs scale effectively in mineral identification, preparing you for future topics like silicate minerals and mineral cleavage.

  • Crystal system

    Welcome to the third episode of the Mineralogy and Crystallography course! Building upon our previous discussions of mineralogy and crystals, this episode delves into the fascinating world of crystal systems. We will explore how the internal arrangem… Welcome to the third episode of the Mineralogy and Crystallography course! Building upon our previous discussions of mineralogy and crystals, this episode delves into the fascinating world of crystal systems. We will explore how the internal arrangement of atoms in a crystal dictates its external symmetry and overall shape. The episode will cover the seven crystal systems – cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, hexagonal, trigonal, monoclinic, and triclinic – and their defining characteristics. You'll learn how to identify these systems based on their symmetry elements and crystallographic axes. Understanding crystal systems is fundamental to classifying minerals and predicting their physical properties. This will lay the groundwork to discuss concepts such as the Mohs scale, silicate minerals, and other topics in the future.

  • Mineral

    This episode, the fifth in our Introduction to Geology course, delves into the fascinating world of minerals. Building upon our understanding of geology, Earth, geologists, and rocks, we will explore the definition, properties, and classification of … This episode, the fifth in our Introduction to Geology course, delves into the fascinating world of minerals. Building upon our understanding of geology, Earth, geologists, and rocks, we will explore the definition, properties, and classification of minerals. We'll examine how minerals form, their importance in various geological processes, and their significance to human society. This episode provides a foundational understanding of minerals, which are the building blocks of rocks and essential components of our planet.

  • Native element minerals

    This episode, "Native Element Minerals," explores a fascinating class of minerals composed of a single chemical element. Building upon our foundational knowledge of mineralogy, crystals, crystal systems, the Mohs scale, and silicate minerals, we now … This episode, "Native Element Minerals," explores a fascinating class of minerals composed of a single chemical element. Building upon our foundational knowledge of mineralogy, crystals, crystal systems, the Mohs scale, and silicate minerals, we now focus on these unique substances. We'll examine the different groups of native element minerals, including metals, semimetals, and nonmetals, and discuss their properties, occurrences, and economic significance. Examples like gold, silver, copper, sulfur, and diamond will illustrate the diversity and importance of this mineral group. This understanding will lay the groundwork for future discussions on mineral cleavage, crystal habit, optical mineralogy, and X-ray crystallography.

  • Silicate minerals

    This episode, the fifth in our Mineralogy and Crystallography course, delves into the world of silicate minerals. Building upon our understanding of mineralogy, crystals, crystal systems, and the Mohs scale, we will explore the structure, classificat… This episode, the fifth in our Mineralogy and Crystallography course, delves into the world of silicate minerals. Building upon our understanding of mineralogy, crystals, crystal systems, and the Mohs scale, we will explore the structure, classification, and importance of these essential minerals. We will examine the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron, the fundamental building block of silicates, and learn how it links together to form diverse mineral structures. This episode provides a foundation for understanding the composition of Earth's crust and mantle.