Sine waves in rocks?

[questionposter]

I would post it in the geology section, but every time I post something with complex mathematical concepts that isn't in one of these physics sections, no one answers.

 

So I notice then when I graph some polar equations, particular those using trigonometric functions, they look like some of the crystal structures of minerals viewed from above, and even some naturally forming macroscopic mineral structures. Is there any correlation between polar coordinates and how rocks form at all? Is this just the random result of atoms resembling standing waves?

Edited October 21, 2011 by questionposter

[Schrödinger's hat]

I would post it in the geology section, but every time I post something with complex mathematical concepts that isn't in one of these physics sections, no one answers.

 

So I notice then when I graph some polar equations, particular those using trigonometric functions, they look like some of the crystal structures of minerals viewed from above, and even some naturally forming macroscopic mineral structures. Is there any correlation between polar coordinates and how rocks form at all? Is this just the random result of atoms resembling standing waves?

 

Well the potentials for the various atoms/molecules that make up the crystals are made of can be described as series of trigonometric functions.

I wouldn't be surprised if you wound up with the same types of symmetries in your plots as are found in crystals.