Why are minerals considered to be crystalline?

Answer 1

Minerals are by definition occurring in nature, solid, having a specific chemical formula, and having a crystalline structure. When minerals form from a gaseous or liquid state of matter into a solid, their combinations of atoms arrange themselves into a crystalline structure, for example, a quart crystal. These crystalline structures are divided into six or seven (depending on what article you read) crystal systems by length and relationships between the crystal axes.

Answer 2

Minerals are considered crystalline because they are composed of atoms that are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern. This atomic arrangement forms a crystal structure, giving minerals their characteristic shape and physical properties. The internal structure of minerals influences their properties such as hardness, cleavage, and color.

Answer 3

Actually one of the qualities of a mineral, is having a crystal structure. If it doesn't have a crystal structure, it is not a mineral. Remember the qualities of a mineral this way: SICCO

S-Solid

I-Inorganic

C-Crystal Structure

C-Chemical Composition

O-Occurring Naturally

Answer 4

Crystals from since the atoms in minerals have a prefered way of being organized relative to each other. As a result a mineral will take one pattern and repeat it millions of times, forming a very ordered mass of atoms.

However the conditions under which a crystal can form vary between different minerals. The temperature of formation, time available and the presence of other elements all affect how well crystals will grow.

Answer 5

Minerals, by definition, have a crystalline structure. The crystals could be microscopic, or up to many meters or yards in length. The crystal size depends on the habit and formation circumstances during the mineral's formation.