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crystal growth

In quasicrystal: Microscopic images of quasicrystalline structures
Its 12 faces are regular pentagons, with axes of fivefold rotational symmetry passing through them. That is to say, rotations about this axis by 72° leave the appearance of the grain unchanged. In a full 360° rotation the grain will repeat itself in appearance five times, once…
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forms

In form
faces having similar symmetry. Those forms that enclose space are called closed forms; those that do not, open forms. The faces that comprise a form will be similar in appearance, even though of different shapes and sizes; this similarity may be evident from natural striations,…
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diadochy

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diadochy

crystallography

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diadochy, capability of an atom or ion (charged atom) to replace another in a particular crystal lattice. The replaceability may be complete or partial; the degree of substitution depends on the temperature of equilibration, the availability of substituting ion, and its radius, charge, and electronic structure relative to its diadochic partner. For example, in olivine structures an iron ion may completely replace the magnesium ion.

This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.

crystal face

Learn about this topic in these articles:

crystal growth

forms

diadochy