Why Are Snowflakes 6 Sided?

The more detailed explanation is this: The ice crystals that make up snowflakes are symmetrical (or patterned) because they reflect the internal order of the crystal's water molecules as they arrange themselves in predetermined spaces (known as “crystallization”) to form a six-sided snowflake.

What percentage of snowflakes are 6 sided?

Empirical studies suggest less than 0.1% of snowflakes exhibit the ideal six-fold symmetric shape. Very occasionally twelve branched snowflakes are observed; they maintain the six-fold symmetry.

Why can't a snowflake have 5 sides?

But the crystals themselves will usually have six sides. "The reason is because the molecular building blocks are water molecules. ... Actually, water molecules occasionally form ice crystals with three or 12 sides — either half or double the usual number — but never five or eight.