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One definition of a mineral is that it can assume a crystalline form. This is caused by a property called 'propensity to crystallize' but that is almost a circular argument. It is in the nature of a crystal that it may be extended in its size and electrical charges on the surface attract other of the same mineral to form a dense mass.
By crystallizing, the mineral occupies the minimum space.
Interestingly, this also occurs with gold, and the more re-worked the alluvial gravels, there you'll find the larger alluvial nuggets!
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∙ 13y ago
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What is most likely to be found in crystalline form?
All minerals occur in crystalline form. It's a part of the definition of a mineral.
When minerals form slowly without space restrictions they will develop what?
When minerals solidify they form crystalline structures.
What minerals make up volcanic glass?
No minerals make up true volcanic glass, as the crystalline structure of minerals did not have time to form before the lava hardened. A mineral must have a crystalline structure.
What process causes minerals to form in a shallow lake during dry conditions?
Studies show that the process evaporation causes the minerals to form.
What process causes minerals to form in shallow lake during dry conditions?
Studies show that the process evaporation causes the minerals to form.
Can crystals form near Earth's upper mantel?
Absolutely. The mantel is composed of rock. Rock is composed of minerals. Minerals, by definition, have a crystalline structure.
What causes stalactites and stalagmites to form?
Precipitation of calcium carbonate as its crystalline form, calcite, extracted from the limestone above the cave by solution in naturally slightly acid ground-water.
Where do rocks with coarse texture form?
they are made of either small crystals or grains or either crystalline minerals
What rocks have Krystle's?
No rocks have "Krystle's" - there is no such word as "Krystle's" and if there were you are using the "'" incorrectly. All rocks contain minerals, most of which are in Crystalline form.
What is a solid geometric form of minerals produced by repeating pattern of atoms of molecules in a mineral?
It's called crystalline structure.
Although all minerals have an orderly internal arrangement of atoms crystalline structuremost mineral samples do not visibly demonstrate their crystal form why?
Minerals can form in clumps, as a druse over existing surfaces, and a variety of other ways, all under different conditions. Quick cooling igneous rocks are composed of minerals, but the crystalline structure is too small to see with the naked eye. Euhedral (perfectly formed, visible crystals demonstrating the typical crystal form) crystals in most minerals are a rare find for the average collector.
Does a mineral have to be composed of two or more elements?
No. There are elemental minerals, like gold, silver, and copper, appearing in crystalline form. The bulk of minerals, however, are compounds of two or more elements.
