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TED-Ed

How do crystals work? - Graham Baird

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12,462 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

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.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.


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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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