YA, self-assembling alien crystals fall to earth

[valgard]

I remember reading this book when I was 10, back in 1979/1980, so pretty sure it was young adult science fiction. Set on normal modern earth.

I was living in the UK at the time but I think the story itself was also set in the UK.

Strange tiny crystals fall to earth, or perhaps were just noticed building up in the water (Thames?). At some point people realize that the crystals can nest together to form complex shapes and they are starting to build up structures. I think there's a segment where everyone gets alarmed that the crystals are forming the shape of missiles and then they realize that the crystals are mimicking what they see around them.

Anyone know the title or author? Many thanks in advance!

 

[HareBrain]

Ooh, this one brought back memories. We did this as the basis of some kind of drama class in junior school.

It's Trillions, by Nicholas Fisk.

 

[valgard]

Excellent, thank you!

 

[williamjm]

Ooh, this one brought back memories. We did this as the basis of some kind of drama class in junior school.

It's Trillions, by Nicholas Fisk.

We read it at my school as well. Can't remember much about it now, beyond the title and the basic description valgard gave.

 

[Urien]

I loved this book when I was a about 12 or 13. The imagery of the cyrstals trying but failing to repair a dying alien world stuck with me.

I read a number of Fisk books, all SF for YA. I thought them very good, though I don't know how they would read today.

They were a progression from the school library's old collection of Tom Swift books. Along with the Dark is Rising and The Weirdstone of Brisingamen I think they formed the foundation of my interest in things SFF.

Oops slipped into reminiscence mode.