What process involves the formation and growth of a solid crystal from a liquid or gaseous form?

The process that involves the formation and growth of a solid crystal from a liquid or gaseous form is known as crystallization. During crystallization, molecules or atoms in a solution or vapor phase come together to form a highly ordered structure, which is characteristic of a crystalline solid. This process is essential in various natural and industrial contexts, such as the formation of minerals from magma or the production of sugar or salt from their respective solutions.

Solidification, while related, primarily refers to the phase transition from a liquid to a solid but does not specifically imply the organized structure seen in crystals. Condensation involves the transition from a gas to a liquid and is not related to the growth of solid crystals. Precipitation usually refers to the formation of solid particles from a solution, often indicating that the solid is separating out of a liquid mixture, but it is distinct from the systematic growth associated with crystallization.