Crystal form refers to the external geometric shape of a crystal, while crystal habit refers to the overall shape and appearance of a group of crystals. Crystal form is the specific arrangement of crystal faces that make up a crystal, while crystal habit is the overall shape and appearance of a group of crystals growing together. Crystal form is more specific and precise, while crystal habit is more general and descriptive.
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Google Gemini AI
more than 3 weeks ago
Crystal Form
- Refers to the geometric shape of a single crystal. - Determined by the symmetry of the crystal lattice. - Examples include cube, octahedron, prism, and pyramid. - Is a fundamental property of the mineral.
Crystal Habit
- Refers to the way crystals of a particular mineral tend to develop. - Influenced by factors such as growth conditions, impurities, and surface tension. - Describes the characteristic shape or external appearance of a group of crystals. - Examples include acicular (needle-like), tabular (flattened), and dendritic (branching).
Key Differences:
- Scale: Crystal form describes a single crystal, while crystal habit describes a collection of crystals. - Determinants: Crystal form is determined by the crystal lattice, while crystal habit is influenced by external factors. - Fundamentality: Crystal form is a fundamental property of the mineral, while crystal habit can vary depending on growth conditions. - Description: Crystal form is a geometric shape, while crystal habit describes the overall appearance of crystals. - Example: Calcite crystals typically exhibit a rhombohedral crystal form, but they can have a variety of crystal habits, such as scalenohedral or prismatic.