How do i create a significantly correct world with large crystal formations in my novel? [closed]








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***I have uploaded an shorter and less broad Question which is largely the same but requires a different kind of answer. What i want to say is that i re-asked my question in a different way because i do not want to delete the answers i got here so far and because the answered also would be incorrect in the context of my re-asked and re-written question***
link: [Which crystals can exist permanently (and do not break down) under normal earth like outside conditions?](https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/64839/)


Hi I am not really all that well versed in chemistry or molecules for that matter but I am trying to find a way to "create" a scientific and realistic (trough probably unlikely) world with large crystal formations on the surface. The reason I want this is because I want to create a species for my novel that has its culture based around the large crystal formations living on the planet.


Now to limit my question a bit I would like the answer to these two points:


* What kind of crystal(s).
* How do you think the process should work.
* What limitations it creates.


The criteria are that:


* The crystals must be permanent without breaking down in normal earth conditions/atmosphere.
* Preferably no interference required by intelligent lifeforms.
* There will be oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
* They must be able to grow quite large. I’m thinking about large hexagonal crystal columns.


What are the tools?:


Well you can more or less use anything in nature, you can make suns explode if need be. But a more probable start would be selecting the chemical composition and what would be needed to form crystals from that point.


For instance if you need a long period of very high heat and then cooling down to “normal” temperatures you can make the system sun go red giant and heating the planet before becoming a white dwarf.




Do you mind a scenario somewhat less dramatic than *exploding suns*? ;)


1. Just let *selenite* ($\ce{CaSO4\*2H2O}$) cristallize very slowly und undisturbed in a system of caves for a long time.
2. Let the inhabitants of your world discover the cave system or let parts of the cave system collape to make it more accessible.


A model for this already exists: the [Cave of the Crystals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_the_Crystals), connected to the Naica mine in Mexico.




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**Update**


Note that I'm not a geoscientist, but to me, *large hexagonal columns* that can exist under earth's atmosphere cry *basalt*, which in turn indicates vulcanic activities.


The English wikipedia has a [list columnar structures resulting from vulcanism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_places_with_columnar_jointed_volcanics). Some examples are


* [Giant's Causeway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant%27s_Causeway) in Northern Ireland
* [Fingal's Cave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fingal%27s_Cave) in Scotland
* [Devil's Postpile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devils_Postpile_National_Monument) in California


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One option could be copper sulfate (CuSO4), which forms large, blue crystals. Roger Hiorns' [installation](https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/jun/13/seizure-copper-sulphate-crystals-yorkshire/%22installation,%20'Seizure'%22) coated [the inside of a London apartment](http://www.super-collider.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/125_04b.jpg/%22coated%20the%20inside%20of%20an%20apartment%20with%20it%22) with it.


You can form CuSO4 by reacting solid copper (Cu(s)) with sulfuric acid (H2SO4): 


Cu(s) + H2SO4 (aq) --> CuSO4 (aq) + H2(g)


Ways this could occur: 


* There exist naturally-occurring sulfuric acid springs, such as in Yellowstone. Take a naturally-occuring copper vein and stick it in a sulfuric acid pool, you'll get CuSO4 dissolved in the water. Let the water slowly evaporate over time, and you'll get copper sulfate crystals. (This could happen above or below ground.)
* Mining run-off is often acidic, containing sulfuric acid. Stick it next to a copper vein, and similarly you'll have copper sulfate. This requires some intelligent life at some point, to build the mine, but it could be abandoned/post-apocalyptic.


Edit: Note: you need a very dry environment for this, as they are water-soluble! 


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