Description
A solid material that exists as a 3-dimensional arrangement of atoms, ions or molecules in repeating patterns. Based on the orientation and positions of the repeating units, crystals are grouped into six systems: 1) isometric (cubic) - three perpendicular axes of equal length 2) tetragonal - three perpendicular axes, two of equal length 3) orthorhombic - three perpendicular axes of different lengths 4) monoclinic - three axes of different lengths, two perpendicular 5) triclinic - three axes of different lengths, none perpendicular 6) hexagonal - three symmetrically spaced axes in one plane with a fourth axes that extends perpendicular to the first three. The morphology of a crystal affects its optical properties such as index of refraction, color and birefringence.
Synonyms and Related Terms
crystals; cristal (Esp., Fr., Port.); Kristall (Deut.); kristal (Ned.)
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Last updated on: 7/6/2009 11:14:16 AM
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