Elegant, unique and one of a kind.
These are the characteristics of every snowflake you will see in your lifetime. Whether it be from every country from every part of the world, no two snowflakes are ever the same.
The unique thing about snowflakes is that no snowflakes are ever the same because of the very thing that makes them. Due to the various processes that snowflakes first go through, the chance of two snowflakes being identical to each other are close to zero or almost impossible.
Process, process, process
The process of a snowflake forming comes from the many weather and atmospheric conditions the crystals go through. When multiple crystals form into a clump, they form the snowflake that we see.
The shape of the snow crystal will depend on the conditions it will go through. At any point of time, the crystals may experience hot air, cold weather and more atmospheric conditions that will dictate and form the shape it will become—and once multiple crystals clump together—the beautiful snowflakes we see today will take their shape.
Two ways leads to countless beauty
Usually, there are two ways that a snowflake can form. The first way is what is called ‘Facets’ where crystals naturally form and take on the shape of a mirror.
The second way is the one that creates the beautiful shape of the snowflakes we usually know. This process forms the branches where water vapor condenses on the first thing it touches. The two processes form the countless tree-shaped crystals we know and admire.
Unique for a reason
Every snowflake reflects us as humans. Unique, never exactly the same, elegant in their own ways. Because every snowflake and person are all unique.
These snowflakes not only reflect beauty—it also reflects process. Where amidst uncertain conditions, beauty can still be observed.
Written by King Razon, Insight PH
King Razon, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
