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How do crystals work? - Graham Baird

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TEDEd Animation

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Many crystals have signature shapes— like the cascade of pointed quartz or a pile of galena cubes. Every crystal’s atoms have a defining feature: their organized, repeating pattern. The pattern isn't restricted to minerals- sand, ice, metals and DNA also have crystalline structures. So what causes them to grow into these shapes again and again? Graham Baird dives into the unique properties of crystals.

Look at the world around you, based on the information provided, identify and list the crystalline materials you can see around you. Do any of these materials have a geometric shape produced by the growth of the crystal?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Graham Baird
  • Director Franz Palomares
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Music Carlos Palomares
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Associate Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce , Alex Gendler
  • Fact-Checker Brian Gutierrez

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