Crystal Systems
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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
Sources
- Chesterman, Charles W. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf: New York (1987)