Real Snowflakes
On certain winter days the temperature is cold enough and the humidity is just right to create extra large snow crystals. Snow crystals (or snowflakes) are formed by water vapor, inside the clouds, being super cooled. The vapor condenses instantly from a liquid to a solid (ice), creating a snowflake. The intricate patterns are formed as the crystals grow, each one different from the next.
Snowflakes begin in their most basic shape, a hexagon, before growing into more detailed crystals by branching out at the corners. This explains why almost every snowflake has six sides. On rare occasion, two snowflakes join together, early on, at precisely a 30-degree angle and then begin to grow, creating what looks like a 12-sided snowflake (notice two of them in the photograph).
Snowflakes usually form when the temperature is between 5 and 28 degrees F, although the largest branched snowflakes (known as Stellar Dendrites) form closer to 5 degrees. “Fern-like Stellar Dendrites and “Stellar Dendrites” have numerous additional side branches along their six main branches, and are usually the large, dry crystals that create the best lightweight, powdery snow (and the best images).
If you’d like to see these beautiful formations, in their short lives, simply pick up an inexpensive magnifying glass and wait for the snow (assuming of course, you live where it does snow, otherwise you may find yourself waiting quite a while). Not all snowstorms bring stunning flakes but when the conditions are right you’ll be blessed with their intricate beauty and individuality.
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I am an award-winning and internationally published photographer and writer with a passion for all things creative. 
At last! Soemone who understands! Thanks for posting!