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Mineral Habits

By , About.com Guide

Habits are the distinctive form that minerals may take in different geologic settings, for instance when growing in a free space or in a particular environment. Often a mineral's habit is a strong clue to its identity. Here are examples of some of the most useful mineral habits.

Images 1-12 of 23

NeedlelikeAcicular HabitFilling almond-shaped holesAmygdaloidal HabitGeneral term for layeredBanded HabitSpiky but not needlelikeBladed Habit
Pyrite chunks on quartzBlocky HabitLike grape clustersBotryoidal HabitCrossed twinsCruciform HabitA branching formDendritic Habit
Crusts of crystalsDrusy HabitUsually calciteEncrusting HabitRound or cubicEquant HabitLike straight hairsFibrous Habit

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