... are made of stronger minerals. 6. Are there different shapes of crystals? The shape of the crystal is decided by its composition and the atomic structure inside of the crystal. Every atom has a position and is tied to each other by bonding forces. The atoms of a particular mineral always ... that share a similar shape are grouped into the same category. In researching the nature of crystals, there were many different terms found to describe crystalline structure - Crystal Systems, Crystal Shapes, Crystal Lattices and Crystal or Mineral Habits. These terms were all used interchangeably. T...

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• Grade Level: High School

From Theory to Science: The Evolution of Tectonics Tectonics is, "the science of the structure of the earth's crust and the movements and forces which shape it.""(Schwarzbach p.76) In general, the earth is divided into three layers-the core, the mantle (lower and upper) ... to tell scientists that there was movement of the earth's magnetic field. "Some rocks, likewise, are natural compasses. As lava or magma cools and solidifies, it's materials can be magnetized parallel to the Earth's field, it preserves the position of the magnetic field at the time the rock cooled."" (Flint p.93) The mine...

• Word Count: 1664
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• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School