volcanic lava that cooled on earth;s surface
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Schist is a type of rock that exhibits a deformed structure due to intense heat and pressure during its formation. It typically contains intergrown crystals of minerals like mica, chlorite, and quartz, which give it a layered appearance.
Crystals are not all the same. They vary in composition, structure, color, and properties depending on the minerals they are made of. Each crystal has its own unique molecular arrangement that gives it distinct characteristics.
Yes, minerals are the building blocks of crystals. Crystals are solid materials formed by the repeating pattern of atoms or molecules in a mineral structure. The arrangement of these building blocks gives crystals their unique shape and characteristics.
Quartz crystals are formed deep within the Earth's crust when silica-rich fluids cool and solidify. The unique structure and properties of quartz crystals are influenced by factors such as the arrangement of silicon and oxygen atoms in a repeating pattern, as well as the presence of impurities that can give the crystals different colors and properties. Additionally, external factors like pressure, temperature, and the presence of other minerals can also impact the formation and characteristics of quartz crystals.
Crystals in basalt that formed underwater are smaller because they cool faster in the water, resulting in less time for the crystals to grow. On the other hand, crystals in basalt that formed on the ground have more time to grow as they cool more slowly, leading to larger crystal sizes.
Crystals form when particles in a solution come together in a repeating pattern. The rate of crystal formation can affect the size and quality of the crystals, with slower rates often leading to larger, more well-defined crystals. Faster rates may result in smaller crystals with less defined shapes.