Holohedral meaning

Holohedral refers to a crystal structure in which all the faces are identical and symmetrically arranged.


Holohedral definitions

Word backwards lardeholoh
Part of speech Holohedral is an adjective.
Syllabic division ho-lo-he-dral
Plural The plural form of holohedral is holohedrals.
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) o,e,a
Consonants (4) h,l,d,r

When it comes to crystallography, the term holohedral refers to a crystal form that exhibits all of its faces when fully developed.

These faces are symmetrically arranged around a central point within a crystal lattice structure, giving the crystal a distinct geometric shape.

This term is commonly used in mineralogy and geology to describe crystals that have well-defined external boundaries and exhibit perfect symmetry in their structure.

Characteristics of Holohedral Crystals

Holohedral crystals are characterized by their complete development, meaning that all faces of the crystal are present and visible.

These crystals often have a high degree of symmetry, with each face of the crystal mirroring the others around a central axis.

Due to their well-defined faces and uniform structure, holohedral crystals are used in various scientific fields for studying the properties of minerals and their formations.

Identification of Holohedral Crystals

One way to identify a holohedral crystal is by examining its external shape and the arrangement of its faces.

These crystals often exhibit a regular geometric form, such as a cube, octahedron, or dodecahedron, which helps distinguish them from other types of crystals.

Applications of Holohedral Crystals

Holohedral crystals play a crucial role in understanding the crystalline structure of minerals and their properties.

They are used in X-ray crystallography, spectroscopy, and other analytical techniques to study the atomic arrangement of materials and determine their physical and chemical characteristics.

In conclusion, holohedral crystals are essential in the field of crystallography for their well-defined faces, symmetry, and applications in scientific research and mineral studies.


Holohedral Examples

  1. The mineral form of halite exhibits holohedral cleavage.
  2. Crystallographers use the term holohedral to describe crystals with faces on all axes.
  3. In cubic crystals, holohedral symmetry is commonly observed.
  4. The perfect holohedral form of a crystal is a rare occurrence in nature.
  5. Geologists study the holohedral properties of minerals to understand their structure.
  6. Crystals with holohedral symmetry often display a high level of internal order.
  7. Mineral collectors appreciate the beauty of holohedral crystal forms.
  8. Holohedral crystals can be found in a variety of different mineral groups.
  9. The lattice structure of a mineral determines whether it will exhibit holohedral symmetry.
  10. Scientists use X-ray diffraction to analyze the holohedral nature of crystals.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 01/05/2024 - 12:38:04