What principle explains that each mineral has a characteristic crystal form?

The principle that explains each mineral has a characteristic crystal form is based on the Law of Constancy of Interfacial Angles. This law states that regardless of the size or shape of a crystal, the angles between corresponding faces of different crystals of the same mineral are always the same. This consistency occurs due to the orderly arrangement of atoms in the mineral's crystalline structure, which leads to unique geometric shapes for each type of mineral.

This characteristic allows geologists and mineralogists to identify minerals based on their crystal forms and the angles between their faces, enabling a deeper understanding of the mineral's properties and its formation. This concept is fundamental in crystallography and helps determine the identity and classification of minerals, as each conveys distinctive visual structures that reflect their internal atomic arrangements.