Also under the right conditions several star crystals can join together to form a larger snow crystal. The second pattern we will look at is called the Dendrite Star . Essentially these are three-dimensional star crystals. They have several branches that grow off it in many directions. The next basic pattern of snowflakes is referred to as Columns .
Columns have a higher density than star crystals, and are typically smaller.
Usually this pattern is produced when the air is dryer. They are shapes that would essentially be stars, but they lack moisture. Basically, a plate is formed when there is not enough atmospheric water vapor available to form the delicate arms of a classic star. The fifth basic pattern is a Capped Column . They are formed when the particle of snow passes through different temperature zones on its way to the ground.