Gemstone Atomic Structure and Properties
Learning Objective
I can explain how the arrangement of atoms in gemstones affects their properties.
Key Concepts
Every crystal's atoms are arranged in a highly organized, repeating pattern, which is the defining feature of a crystal.
Each crystalline material’s atomic arrangement falls into one of six different families: cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic, and hexagonal.
Environmental conditions like pressure, temperature, and chemical environment can influence which geometric shape a crystal grows into.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 12 practice questions to reinforce learning.
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1. What is the defining feature of a crystal?
2. Name three materials, besides minerals, that can have crystalline structures.
3. Galena has a cubic crystalline structure. Describe the arrangement of lead and sulfur atoms in galena.
...and 9 more questions
Educational Video
How do crystals work? - Graham Baird
TED-Ed