Large crystals in a mineral specimen typically form under conditions that allow for slow cooling or low rates of crystallization, allowing more time for the crystals to grow. This can happen in environments such as deep underground or in cavities where there is minimal disturbance to the crystal growth process. Large crystals are often prized by collectors for their unique beauty and rarity.
Mineral specimens with very large crystals most likely formed in environments with slow cooling rates and sufficient space for crystal growth, such as pegmatites or hydrothermal veins. These conditions allow for the growth of larger crystals due to reduced competition for space and slower precipitation rates.
No, the crystals of a mineral can vary in size depending on factors such as growth conditions and the speed at which the mineral forms. Crystals can range from microscopic to very large sizes, even within the same mineral species.
Very large silicate mineral grains (crystals) indicate extremely fast, in-melt transport of the mineral constituents to the growing crystals. We know that pegmatite magmas are small volume, relatively low temperature melts that are extremely rich in water and other dissolved volatiles. The volatiles promote very fast rates of material transfer, thus accounting for rapid growth of very large crystals.
That it cooled very slowly.
Igneous rocks which are totally composed of large crystals (visible to the naked eye) are described as having a phaneritic texture. For example gabbro, diorite and granite.Igneous rocks containing large crystals (phenocrysts) surrounded by a much smaller crystalline matrix are said to have a porphyritic texture.This is caused by a variation in the rate of cooling where initial slow cooling over a long time period allows formation of large crystals, then a period of much more rapid cooling causes the remaining melt products to crystallise more quickly forming the fine crystalline matrix surrounding the large crystals.Source:Duff, D. (1998) Holmes' Principles of Physical Geology. Stanley Thornes Ltd, Cheltenham.
Large crystals in a mineral specimen typically form when the mineral has enough time and space to grow without being obstructed by nearby crystals. This often occurs in environments with slow cooling rates or low levels of impurities, allowing the crystals to grow to a considerable size.
The mineral cooled rapidly on earth's surface
Large crystal formation in mineral specimens typically occurs when the mineral is allowed to grow slowly under ideal conditions, such as low temperature, high pressure, and limited space for crystal growth. These conditions promote the orderly arrangement of atoms within the mineral structure, leading to the development of large crystals. Factors like the presence of impurities, the mineral's chemical composition, and the length of time the mineral has had to grow can also influence crystal size.
Dresserite is a micro-mineral that does not contain any particularly valuable element. It is used only as a mineral specimen for hobbyists. It is not colorful; neither are the crystals large. Many mineral collectors would not give it a second (or even a first) glance. Micromounters (who view small pieces through microscopes) are among the very few who appreciate these tiny crystals.
Mineral specimens with very large crystals most likely formed in environments with slow cooling rates and sufficient space for crystal growth, such as pegmatites or hydrothermal veins. These conditions allow for the growth of larger crystals due to reduced competition for space and slower precipitation rates.
The small crystals likely formed due to rapid cooling of the molten rock or solution from which the mineral precipitated. This rapid cooling did not allow enough time for the crystals to grow larger, resulting in the formation of small crystals.
No, the crystals of a mineral can vary in size depending on factors such as growth conditions and the speed at which the mineral forms. Crystals can range from microscopic to very large sizes, even within the same mineral species.
They can get very large. In Mexico there were gypsum crystals discovered in an underground mine that measured over 30 feet in length.
No. Obsidian is formed by the very rapid cooling of lava which means that crystals do not have time to form.
Very large silicate mineral grains (crystals) indicate extremely fast, in-melt transport of the mineral constituents to the growing crystals. We know that pegmatite magmas are small volume, relatively low temperature melts that are extremely rich in water and other dissolved volatiles. The volatiles promote very fast rates of material transfer, thus accounting for rapid growth of very large crystals.
The rate at which the magma cools determines the size of crystals in an igneous rock. Slow cooling allows for large crystals to form, while rapid cooling results in small or no crystals. Other factors such as mineral composition and pressure can also influence crystal size.
Mineral crystals.