How Atoms Form Crystals and Sparkling Gems

Crystals form when atoms arrange themselves in repeating, orderly patterns.
The type of atom and bond determines a crystal’s shape—cubic, hexagonal, or more.
Diamonds sparkle because carbon atoms lock into a super-strong crystal lattice.
Quartz crystals grow from silicon and oxygen atoms bonding in a repeating network.
Impurities—tiny amounts of other atoms—give gems their vivid colors.
Crystals grow slowly as atoms stack layer by layer, often deep inside Earth.
The symmetry of a crystal comes directly from how atoms bond and align.
Pressure and temperature control whether carbon becomes graphite or diamond.
Many everyday materials—like salt and sugar—are actually simple crystals.
From dazzling gems to common table salt, crystals show the beauty of atoms in order.