Crystal cluster

A crystal cluster is a group of crystals which are formed in an open space environment and exhibit euhedral crystal form determined by their internal crystal structure.[1][2] A cluster of small crystals coating the walls of a cavity are called druse.

A quartz crystal cluster from Tibet
Dolomite druse (pink) with calcite crystals

See also
  • Crystallization – Process by which a solid with a highly organized atomic or molecular structure forms

References
  1. Klein, Cornelis; Hurlbut, Jr., Cornelius S. (1985). Manual of Mineralogy (20th ed.). Wiley. p. 199. ISBN 0-471-80580-7.
  2. Djikaev, Y. S.; Ruckenstein, E. (2008-11-20). "Thermodynamics of heterogeneous crystal nucleation in contact and immersion modes". The Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 112 (46): 11677–11687. arXiv:0804.0215. doi:10.1021/jp803155f. ISSN 1089-5639.

Further reading
  • "Mechanical and Physical Properties of Whiskers", CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 55th edition.
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