Minerals have a naturally formed and organized atomic structure, which means that their atoms are arranged in a specific pattern. This atomic structure is accompanied by a specific chemical composition.
When it comes to crystals, they also possess the same features of having a specific atomic structure and chemical composition as minerals. However, what sets crystals apart is the way their atoms are arranged. The arrangement of atoms in a crystal follows a repeating pattern known as a crystal lattice. This lattice structure gives crystals their distinct geometric shapes and can often be observed as crystal faces on their surfaces.
In summary, while minerals and crystals share the characteristics of having a specific atomic structure and chemical composition, crystals differ in their repeating pattern of atomic arrangement, leading to the formation of crystal lattices and the presence of crystal faces.
