1001 Space Earth Earth Rocks and Minerals Landscape Sea Weather and Climate Natural Disasters Resources Nature History Human World Science and Technology

Choose a Page:Are all minerals valuable?How do geologists find out about t...How do geologists study minerals?How hard are minerals?Why do some rocks form in layers?*Why do minerals form shapes?*How are igneous rocks made?How are metamorphic rocks made?What are fossils?What is hard rock geology?How do geologists date rocks?What is soft rock geology?What are gems?What is a mineral? Why do minerals form shapes? Mineral crystals form in many different shapes and sizes. A mineral is made up of atoms and molecules. As the atoms and molecules combine, they form a particular pattern. This pattern continues to grow as the mineral develops. The final shape of the mineral reflects the original atomic shape. In the same way, the square shape of a house reflects the square shape of the individual bricks. The mineral shape that is formed is called a crystal.   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: Earth Chapter: Rocks and Minerals