Snowflakes, light micrograph. At centre right is a plate snowflake. Snowflakes are symmetrical ice crystals that form in calm air with temperatures near the freezing point of water. The exact shape of a snowflake depends on local climatic conditions. Snowflakes typically have hexagonal symmetry, as seen here. No two snowflakes are identical, as each experiences a wide range of conditions as it forms inside a cloud. Magnification: x25 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.