By Name A list of minerals in alphabetical order By Class Elements, Oxides, Carbonates, etc. Interesting Groupings Gemstones, Birthstones, etc. The Great Localities Places that have made a name for themselves with mineral collectors Full Text Search Mineral identification by keyword searching Crystal habit is a description of the shapes and aggregates that a certain mineral is likely to form. Often this is the most important characteristic to examine when identifying a mineral. Although most minerals do have different forms, they are sometimes quite distinct and common only to one or even just a few minerals.
Many collectors strive to collect mineral specimens of certain typical and abnormal habits.
There are basically two major divisions to keep in mind when discussing crystal habits. First, there are crystallographic forms whose names often separate the true Rock Hounds from the amateurs. These crystal forms are controlled by the structure and therefore the symmetry of the crystal. Secondly there are more descriptive terms that quickly portray the character of the crystal or aggregate crystals. The shape and character of the aggregate may be just as distinctive as an individual crystal's shape.