CRYSTAL FORM DEFINITION EXAMPLES

Also known as the isometric

system. All three axes are of
equal length and intersect at
right angles. Based on a
square inner structure.
Crystal shapes include:
Diamond
 Cube (diamond, Fluorite
fluorite, pyrite) Garnet
CUBIC  Octahedron Gold
(diamond, fluorite, Pyrite
magnetite) Silver
 Rhombic Spinel
dodecahedron
(garnet, lapis lazuli
rarely crystallises)
 Icosi-tetrahedron
(pyrite, sphalerite)
 Hexacisochedron
(pyrite).

Two axes are of equal length

and are in the same plane,
the main axis is either longer
or shorter, and all three
intersect at right angles.
Based on a rectangular inner
structure. Anatase
Apophyllite
Crystal shapes include: Chalcopyrite
Rutile
TETRAGONAL  Four-sided prisms Scapolite
and pyramids Scheelite
 Trapezohedrons Wulfenite
 Eight-sided and Zircon
double pyramids
 Icosi-tetrahedron
(pyrite, sphalerite)
 Hexacisochedron
(pyrite).

Three out of the four axes are

in one plane, of the same
HEXAGONAL length, and intersect each Apatite
other at angles of 60 Aquamarine
degrees. The fourth axis is of
a different length and Beryl
intersects the others at right
 angles. Cancrinite
Based on a hexagonal (6- Emerald
sided) inner structure.
Goshenite
Crystal shapes include:
Morganite
 Four-sided prisms
Sugilite
and pyramids
 Twelve-sided
pyramids Zincite
 Double pyramids

Three axes, all of different Alexandrite

lengths, are at right angles to Andalusite (Chiastolite)
each other. Celestite
Based on a rhombic Chrysoberyl
(diamond-shaped) inner Chrysoberyl
structure. Danburite
Dumortierite
RHOMBIC Crystal shapes include: Enstatite
Hemimorphite
 Pinacoids Iolite
 Rhombic prisms Tanzanite
 Pyramids Topaz
 Double pyramids

There are three axes, each of Azurite

different lengths. Two are at Chrysocolla
right angles to each other Diopside
and the third is inclined. Epidote
Based on a parallelogram Gypsum
inner structure. Hiddenite
Howlite
Crystal shapes include: Kunzite
Lazulite
MONOCLINIC  Basal pinacoids and Moonstone
prisms with inclined Muscovite (Mica)
end faces Petalite
Serpentine
Spodumene
Staurolite
All three axes are of different Amazonite
lengths and inclined towards Aventurine Feldspar
each other. Kyanite
Based on a 'triclinic' inner Labradorite
structure, meaning 'three Rhodonite
inclined angles'. Turquoise
TRICLINIC
Crystal forms are usually
paired faces.
 No crystal structure. Most of Amber
these are either cooled too Moldavite
quickly to crystallise - such as Obsidian
obsidian or moldavite, or are
AMORPHOUS organic - such as amber.

TYPES OF POLYMORPHISM
Enantiotrophy- the relation of two different forms of the same substance (such as two allotropic
forms of tin) that have a definite transition point and can therefore change reversibly each into
the othe

Monotrophy- the relation of two different forms of the same substance (as white and red
phosphorus) that have no definite transition point since only one form (as red phosphorus) is
stable and the change from the unstable form to the stable form is irreversible

Refractive Index- Refractive index is the ratio of the velocity of light of a specified wavelength
in air to its velocity in the examined substance.
Polarization- the action of restricting the vibrations of a transverse wave, especially light, wholly
or partially to one direction.
Optical Rotation- the angle through which the plane of vibration of polarized light that
traverses an optically active substance is rotated

REFERENCES:

Scialla, J. (2019). The Seven Crystal System. Retrieved on October 8, 2019 from
https://www.crystalage.com/crystal_information/seven_crystal_systems/

Enatiotrophy. 2019. In Merriam-Webster.com.

Retrieved October 9, 2019 from https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/hacker

Monotrophy. 2019. In Merriam-Webster.com.

Retrieved October 9, 2019 from https://www.merriam -
webster.com/dictionary/hacker