CRYSTAL

STRUCTU
RE
 OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, the students
should be able to:

• Define key terms in crystal structure

• Differentiate Basic concepts in crystal
structure
• Enumerate the types of unit cells
• Enumerate the classification of Crystal
Systems
• Applications of Crystal Structure
DEFINITION
01 S
Crystal Structure

Crystal structure is a fundamental concept in

materials science and solid-state chemistry. It
refers to the arrangement of atoms or ions in a
repeating, three-dimensional pattern in a
crystalline material.

02 Lattice
A lattice is a three-dimensional, repeating
arrangement of points in space. These points
represent the positions of atoms, ions, or
molecules in the crystal. The lattice is used as
a reference framework to describe the
positions of particles within the crystal.
DEFINITION
03 S
Unit Cell
The unit cell is the smallest repeating unit of
the crystal lattice that, when stacked together
in three dimensions, reproduces the entire
crystal structure. There are several types of
unit cells, including simple cubic, body-
centered cubic, face-centered cubic, and
various other specialized types.
04 Lattice Points
Lattice points, also known as lattice sites or
lattice positions, are the specific positions
within a crystal lattice where atoms, ions, or
molecules are located. These points represent
the repeating units in the three-dimensional
array that makes up the crystal structure.
DEFINITION
05 S
Bravais Lattice
A concept in crystallography that describes a
unique, three-dimensional arrangement of
lattice points in space. .

06 Crystal System
refers to one of the many classes of crystals,
space groups, and lattices. In crystallography
terms, lattice system and crystal, the system
are associated with each other with a slight
difference. Based on their point groups
crystals and space groups are divided into
seven crystal systems.
DEFINITION
07 S
Space Group
is the symmetry group of a repeating pattern in
space, usually in three dimensions. The
elements of a space group (its symmetry
operations) are the rigid transformations of the
pattern that leave it unchanged.

08 Point Groups

describes all the symmetry operations that can

be performed on a molecule that result in a
conformation indistinguishable from the
original.
DEFINITION
09 S
Miller Indices
group of three numbers that indicates the
orientation of a plane or set of parallel planes
of atoms in a crystal.

10 Crystallographic Axes

are imaginary lines that we can draw within

the crystal lattice.
DEFINITION
11 S
Coordination Number
refers to the total number of atoms, ions, or
molecules bonded to the atom in question.
‘Ligancy’ is another term used to refer to the
coordination number of an atom.
 TYPES OF Unit
Cells

Primitive Cubic Body-centred Face-centred Cubic

Unit Cell Cubic(BCC) Unit Cell (FCC)Unit Cell
the atoms are present A BCC unit cell has An FCC unit cell contains atoms
only at the corners. atoms at each corner of at all the corners of the crystal
the cube and an atom at lattice and at the centre of all the
the centre of the faces of the cube.
structure.
 CLASSIFICATIO
N OF CRYSTAL
SYSTEMS
Triclinic System
It is the most unsymmetrical crystal system.
All three axes are inclined towards each other,
and they are of the same length. Based on the
three inclined angles the various forms of
crystals are in the paired faces.
Some standard Triclinic Systems include
Labradorite, Amazonite, Kyanite, Rhodonite,
Aventurine Feldspar, and Turquoise.
Monoclinic System
It comprises three axes where two are at right
angles to each other, and the third axis is
inclined. All three axes are of different length.
Based on the inner structure the monoclinic
system includes Basal pinacoids and prisms
with inclined end faces. Some examples
include Diopside, Petalite, Kunzite, Gypsum,
Hiddenite, Howlite, Vivianite and more.
 CLASSIFICATIO
N OF CRYSTAL
SYSTEMS
Orthorhombic System:
It comprises three axes and is at right angles to
each other. There are different lengths. Based
on their Rhombic structure the orthorhombic
system includes various crystal shapes namely
pyramids, double pyramids, rhombic
pyramids, and pinacoids. Some common
orthorhombic crystals include Topaz,
Tanzanite, Iolite, Zoisite, Danburite and more.
Trigonal System:
Angles and axis in a trigonal system are similar to
Hexagonal Systems. At the base of a hexagonal
system (ross-section of a prism), there will be six
sides. In the trigonal system (base cross-section)
there will be three sides. Crystal shapes in a trigonal
system include three-sided pyramids, Scalenohedral
and Rhombohedra. Some typical examples include
Ruby, Quartz, Calcite, Agate, Jasper, Tiger’s Eyes
and more.
 CLASSIFICATIO
N OF CRYSTAL
SYSTEMS
Hexagonal System:
It comprises four axes. The three a1, a2 and a3
axes are all contained within a single plane
(called the basal plane) and are at 120°. They
intersect each other at an angle of sixty
degrees. The fourth axis intersects other axes
at right angles. Crystal shapes of hexagonal
systems include Double Pyramids, Double-
Sided Pyramids, and Four-Sided Pyramids.
Example: Beryl, Cancrinite, Apatite, Sugilite,
Tetragonal Systems:
It consists of three axes. The main axis varies in
length; it can either be short or long. The two-axis
lie in the same plane and are of the same length.
Based on the rectangular inner structure the shapes
of crystal in tetragonal include double and eight-
sided pyramids, four-sided prism, trapezohedrons,
and pyrite.
 CLASSIFICATIO
N OF CRYSTAL
SYSTEMS

Cubic System:
Cubic system is the most symmetrical one out
of the seven crystal system. All three angles
intersect at right angles and are of equal
length. Crystal shapes of a cubic system based
on inner structure (square) include octahedron,
cube, and Hexaciscoherdron. Example: Silver,
Garnet, Gold, and Diamond..
Geometry of Molecules Based on
Coordination Number
 ApplicaTIONS OF
CRYSTAL
STRUCTURE
Materials Engineering and Pharmaceuticals:
Semiconductor Industry:
Design:
In the semiconductor industry,
Crystal structure information is Understanding the crystal
crystal structures of materials
essential for selecting or structures of drug molecules
like silicon and gallium
designing materials with and their interactions with
arsenide are vital for the design
specific properties. Engineers receptors is crucial in
and production of electronic
and materials scientists use pharmaceutical research for
devices, including integrated
crystal structure data to drug discovery and
circuits and transistors.
develop materials for various formulation.
applications, such as metals,
ceramics, polymers, and
 ApplicaTIONS OF
CRYSTAL
STRUCTURE
Catalysis: Materials Characterization:
Metallurgy:
Catalysts often consist of Scientists use techniques like
The properties of metals, such
crystal structures with specific X-ray crystallography, neutron
as strength, ductility, and
arrangements of atoms that diffraction, and electron
conductivity, are closely
promote chemical reactions. microscopy to determine
related to their crystal
Knowledge of these structures crystal structures. This
structures. Metallurgists use
is essential for optimizing information helps in
crystallography to design
catalytic processes in characterizing materials and
alloys and heat treatments for
industries such as understanding their properties.
desired properties.
petrochemicals and
environmental remediation.
 ApplicaTIONS OF
CRYSTAL
STRUCTURE
Geology and Mineralogy: Environmental Science:
Chemical Analysis:
Crystallography is vital in the
Crystal structure data are used
study of minerals and the Crystallography plays a role in
in chemical analysis, helping
earth's crust. It helps identify studying the crystal structures
chemists identify and
minerals based on their crystal of minerals involved in soil
differentiate compounds with
structures and provides chemistry, pollution
similar chemical compositions
insights into geological remediation, and the behavior
but different crystal structures..
processes. of pollutants in the
environment.
VERSE OF THE
DAY
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
PROVERBS 6:6-8