Chart: Basic Crystal Systems

Seven Basic Crystal Systems and Examples of Each
Crystal System Diagram Example

Cubic

a = b = c; ; alpha = beta = gamma = 90^circ

 Structure of a cubic crystal

An example of a cubic crystal is pyrite

Pyrite

Tetragonal

a = b ne c; ; alpha = beta = gamma = 90^circ

 Structure of a tetragonal crystal

An example of a tetragonal crystal is wulfenite

Wulfenite

Orthorhombic

a ne b ne c; ; alpha = beta = gamma = 90^circ

 Structure of an orthorhombic crystal

An example of an orthorhombic crystal is aragonite

Aragonite

Monoclinic

a ne b ne c; ; alpha ne 90^circ = beta = gamma

 Structure of a monoclinic crystal

An example of a monoclinic crystal is azurite

Azurite

Rhombohedral

a = b = c; ; alpha = beta = gamma ne 90^circ

 Structure of a rhombohedral crystal

An example of a rhombohedral crystal is calcite

Calcite

Triclinic

a ne b ne c; ; alpha ne beta ne gamma ne 90^circ

 Structure of a triclinic crystal

An example of a triclinic crystal is microcline

Microcline

Hexagonal

a = b ne c; ; alpha = beta = 90^circ, ; gamma = 120^circ

 Structure of a hexagonal crystal

An example of a hexagonal crystal is beryl

Beryl

Click here to return to the main text