Crystal systems
In this activity, students investigate crystal shapes and crystal systems. Traditional ceramics are clay-based – clays have a mineral composition and minerals have a crystalline structure.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
describe the main points of difference between a crystalline solid and an amorphous solid
recognise and identify at least 3 of the 7 crystal systems
use models to point out the angular and side length differences that characterise the cubic, triclinic and rhombohedral crystal systems
effectively use optical aids such as hand lenses and simple microscopes to view crystalline solids.
Seven crystal systems
Only a limited number of crystal shapes have been found in nature. There are only 7 groups, or crystal systems, into which all naturally occurring crystals can be placed.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
instructions on what you need and what to do
student worksheet.
Related content
Before doing this activity, ensure your students understand what is clay and what are minerals.
Related activity idea
Minerals present in granite – identify the main minerals present in granite and investigate some of their properties.
