Exploring the Magical World of Crystal Formation
Curious Kids is a captivating series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to [email protected].
How do crystals form? – Alyssa Marie, age 5, New Mexico
“Crystal” scientifically refers to any solid that has an ordered chemical structure, similar to how bricks are arranged in a wall. The “bricks” forming a crystal can be cubes or more complex shapes. I’m an Earth scientist and a teacher, so I spend a lot of time thinking about minerals. These solid substances are found naturally in the ground and can’t be broken down further into different materials other than their constituent atoms. All minerals are crystals, but not all crystals are minerals.
Most rock shops sell mineral crystals that occur in nature such as pyrite, known as fool’s gold, and showy human-made crystals like bismuth – a natural element that forms crystals when melted and cooled.
Crystals grow when molecules with similar characteristics get close and bond, similar to Velcro sticking atoms together. Mineral crystals need special conditions and a nucleation site to grow, such as a rough edge of rock or a speck of dust acting as a starting point for crystallization. Different kinds of crystals, including feldspar, grow in rocks as high pressure and temperatures change the elements and chemical bonds within the rock.
Earth scientists can learn a lot from different types of crystals. Zircon, a durable mineral with growth rings, is a valuable tool for dating rocks. These crystals tell scientists about the age and environment in which they grew. Some of the most amazing crystal formations occur in caves and hot springs from water precipitation. Spectacular crystals are also used as stunning gemstones for jewelry. For example, the CTF Pink Star diamond was auctioned for millions of dollars due to its exceptional quality.
Curious kids out there! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer?
Ask an adult to send your question to [email protected]. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live. And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best. This article was written by Natalie Bursztyn, University of Montana.
