| − | [[Mineral]] [[crystals]] come in a seemingly infinite range of shapes. But behind this tremendous diversity of form there is a strict order, because crystals always grow according to simple [[mathematical]] laws. By stydying the [[crystal geometry]], [[crystallographers]] can fit any crystal into one of only six basic crystal systems. These are called [[isometric]], [[tetragonal]], [[hexagonal]], [[orthorhombic]], [[monoclinic]], and [[triclinic]]. Chesterman, p. 33 | + | [[Mineral]] [[crystals]] come in a seemingly infinite range of shapes. But behind this tremendous diversity of form there is a strict order, because crystals always grow according to simple [[mathematical]] laws. By stydying the [[crystal geometry]], [[crystallographers]] can fit any crystal into one of only six basic crystal systems. These are called [[Isometric (or Cubic) System|isometric]], [[Tetragonal System|tetragonal]], [[Hexagonal (or Trigonal) System|hexagonal]], [[Orthohombic System|orthorhombic]], [[Monoclinic System|monoclinic]], and [[Triclinic System|triclinic]]. Chesterman, p. 33 |
| | *Chesterman, Charles W. ''The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals'', Alfred A. Knopf: New York (1987) | | *Chesterman, Charles W. ''The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals'', Alfred A. Knopf: New York (1987) |