Gemstone Atomic Structure and Properties

I can explain how the arrangement of atoms in gemstones affects their properties.

• 1

  Every crystal's atoms are arranged in a highly organized, repeating pattern, which is the defining feature of a crystal.

• 2

  Each crystalline material’s atomic arrangement falls into one of six different families: cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic, and hexagonal.

• 3

  Environmental conditions like pressure, temperature, and chemical environment can influence which geometric shape a crystal grows into.