Anyone who has ever had the good fortune to catch a snowflake on their glove knows that its intricate shape can take your breath away. As water vapour freezes within a cloud, temperature, wind and humidity will influence the size and shape of the ice crystals that fall to the ground. Sometimes they will clump together to form large, wet flakes. Or, they’ll fall as dry, powdery snow. But if the conditions are just right and the ice crystals can grow large and drift gently earthward without clumping together, the result is a flurry of endless masterpieces – those elaborate star-shaped flakes. The unassuming snowflake yields significant influence wherever it falls. It defines Canada’s geography, wildlife, environment and economy, demanding significant research efforts to understand how snow and ice work – and how to function within the challenging conditions they create. With so much of its activity dependent upon and shaped by winter’s frozen marvels, Canada has become known internationally for its scientific contributions to snow and ice research, such as the world’s most accurate gauge for recording snowfall and automated sensors that measure snow accumulation and melt on major glaciers and ice sheets. Yet, despite the science, Canada’s love of the simple snowflake prevails. Royal Canadian Mint Engraver Konrad Wachelko has recreated a six-sided dendrite ice crystal, often referred to by many as a snowflake. There are two coins available which are both made with Crystallized – Swarovski Elements overlaying the’snowflake’ with either six aquamarine or six iridescent crystals and one central clear crystal. Specifications: Face Value: 20 dollars Mintage per coin: 5,000 Blue Crystal, 5,000 Iridescent Crystal Total Mintage: 10,000 Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper Weight (g): 49.456 Diameter (mm): 38 Edge: Serrated Finish: Proof. Packaging: Coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve. Citadel Coins Halifax, Nova Scotia Official Royal Canadian Mint Distributor.