on May 29, 2024
Exploring the Realms of Mineral Crystallography: Is Every Space Group Represented?
CrystallographyIntroduction to space groups in crystallography Crystallography, the study of the internal structure and external form of crystals, is a fundamental discipline in the earth sciences. At the heart of crystallography is the concept of space groups, which describe the symmetry operations that leave a crystal structure unchanged. The question of whether each space group
on May 23, 2024
Deciphering Crystal Habit in Weathered and Rounded Rocks: A Crystallographic Challenge
CrystallographyDetermination of crystal habit in worn and rounded rocks When dealing with rocks that have been weathered and worn over time, determining the original crystal habit can be challenging. However, there are several techniques and approaches that can be used by the experienced crystallographer or geoscientist to infer the underlying crystal structure. One of the
on May 5, 2024
The Enigmatic Beauty of Pallasite Meteorites: Unveiling the Iron-Nickel Phase
CrystallographyThe Iron-Nickel Phase in Pallasite Meteorites: A Window into the Early History of the Earth Pallasite meteorites, named after the German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas, are a fascinating class of meteorites that provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. They are characterized by their unique composition, consisting of an iron-nickel
on April 16, 2024
Unveiling the Mysteries of Enantiotropic and Monotropic Polymorphic Transitions in Earth Science Crystallography
CrystallographyUnderstanding Enantiotropic and Monotropic Polymorphic Transitions in Crystallography Crystallography, a branch of earth science, studies the structure, properties, and behavior of crystals. In this field, the study of polymorphism plays a crucial role. Polymorphism refers to the ability of a substance to exist in different crystal structures, called polymorphs, while maintaining the same chemical composition.
on February 28, 2024
Unveiling the Mysteries of Axial Divergent Profiles: A Crystallographic Exploration in Earth Science
CrystallographyCrystallography: The Form of Axially Divergent Profiles Crystallography is a fascinating field that studies the atomic and molecular structures of crystals. It plays a crucial role in several scientific disciplines, including earth science. One fascinating aspect of crystallography is the analysis of axial divergent profiles, which provide valuable insights into the shape and properties of
on February 21, 2024
Unraveling the Enigmatic Structure of Oblique-Square-Prism Crystals: A Crystallographic Exploration in Earth Science
CrystallographyAn overview of the oblique square prism crystal in crystallography Crystallography is a fascinating field that focuses on the study of crystals, their structures, and their properties. One intriguing crystal form that has received considerable attention in recent years is the oblique square prism crystal. This unique crystal structure has distinctive geometric features and plays
on February 14, 2024
Cleavage vs. Fracture: Unveiling the Distinctions in Earth Science and Crystallography
CrystallographyCleavage and fracture are two terms commonly used in crystallography and earth science to describe the way minerals break. While both processes involve the breaking of a mineral, there are distinct differences between cleavage and fracture. Understanding these differences is critical to identifying minerals and studying their properties. In this article, we will explore the
on February 10, 2024
What does the unit cell of petitjeanite look like?
CrystallographyIntroduction to Petitjeanite Petitjeanite is a rare mineral belonging to the apatite supergroup and named after the French mineralogist Pierre Petitjean. It was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has since been found in a few other locations around the world. Petitjeanite is of great interest to crystallographers and geoscientists because of
on December 18, 2023
Exploring the Analog Nature of Crystal Lattices: Unveiling Earthscience’s Intriguing Crystallographic Phenomena
CrystallographyCan crystal lattices be analogous? Crystallography, the study of crystal structures, has played a central role in understanding the properties and behavior of materials. The arrangement of atoms or molecules in a crystal lattice determines its unique physical and chemical properties. Traditionally, crystal lattices have been described using mathematical models and symmetry principles. However, recent
on June 3, 2023
Crystal vs. Mineral: Understanding the Fundamental Differences in Earth Science and Crystallography
CrystallographyCrystallography and mineralogy are two branches of science that study the properties and characteristics of minerals and crystals. Although minerals and crystals may seem similar, they are different in many ways. In this article, we will discuss the differences between crystals and minerals. What is a mineral? A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid