Chapter II · Crystal Systems 07 / 12

The Seven Crystal Systems

Isometry defines perfect balance

Three equal axes at 90° yield cubic, octahedral, and dodecahedral habits from a single geometric constraint.

Hexagonal axes create polar forms

One unique axis of three- or sixfold symmetry with three equal axes at 120° in the basal plane.

Three axes, none alike

Three perpendicular axes of unequal length produce rhombic prismatic and pyramidal habits.

Monoclinic breaks the orthogonal rule

One axis departs from perpendicular — the most common symmetry class observed in nature.

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