Symmetry in crystals

Symmetry in crystals refers to the balanced and repeating arrangement of atoms that create patterns which can be rotated, reflected, or translated while appearing unchanged. These patterns give crystals their characteristic shapes and internal structures. For example, some crystals look the same when rotated 60 degrees or flipped over. This orderly symmetry results from the way atoms are organized in a precise, repeating pattern, which influences the crystal's physical properties, such as clarity, strength, and how it breaks. Symmetry is fundamental to understanding the structure and behavior of different crystalline materials.