Oh-1 Calcite (Crystal Model)
Published: Wednesday 15 March 2006 - Updated: Monday 28 March 2011
Aim
To illustrate the lattice structure of calcite.
Apparatus
Calcite model
Diagrams
Click on pictures to enlarge.
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Calcite Diagram |
Description
Calcite or Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) is a naturally occurring birefringent crystal. Marble and limestone are bothe composed of calcium carbonate. Along a specific axis each carbonate group is seen to form a triangular cluster perpendicular to this axis called the optical axis. The large birefringence of calcite is due to the Carbonate groups which are all in planes normal to the optic axis.