Understanding Ice Crystal Formation

[AbsoluteZer0]

Hi,

I have a question regarding the following picture of a lattice of ice:

Why does it form the shape that it does? Is it because of the repulsion of charges from the valence electrons?

Thanks,

 

[K^2]

Ice crystal forms that shape due to hydrogen bonds and due to the shape and charge distribution in the water molecule. The shape of the water molecule is due, indeed, to the extra electrons in the valence shell of the oxygen atom.