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

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 3

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 4

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.

Answer 5

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.