Metal crystals
Metals are special because of the way that their crystals form Unlike other minerals, metals tend not to form separate crystals. Instead.theiratoms pack together in simple lattice-like structures, tied together by special chemical bonds called metallic bonds. In a structure like this, the bonds all work together, making metals strong but not brittle, which is why they can typically be hammered, bent and stretched into shape without breaking. The lattice arrangement also leaves electrons (tiny subatomic particles) only loosely attached in the spaces in between the atoms. This results in metals being good conductors of electricity (and heat), because there are plenty of 'free' electrons to transmit it through the lattice.In magnesium and zinc, the lattice is arranged in closely packed hexagons, whereas in aluminium, copper, silver and gold
the atoms are arranged in cubes with an atom in the middle of each side of the cube.