Crystal Habit
Crystal Habit refers to the characteristic shape and form that a crystal takes as it grows. This shape is influenced by the internal arrangement of atoms and the conditions under which the crystal forms, such as temperature and pressure. Different minerals exhibit distinct habits, which can help in identifying them.
Common crystal habits include cubic, prismatic, and tabular. For example, quartz often forms hexagonal prisms, while halite typically appears in cubic shapes. Understanding crystal habit is essential in fields like geology and mineralogy, as it aids in the classification and study of various minerals.