The crystal structure of calcite is the basis of its physical and chemical properties. The following are the main characteristics of its crystal structure:
Chemical formula: CaCO₃, belongs to carbonate minerals.
Trigonal system: Calcite belongs to the trigonal system, and the space group is R‾3c.
Parameters: a = 4.99 Å, c = 17.06 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°.
Calcium ion: located at the vertices and body center of the unit cell.
Carbonate ion: located between calcium ions, planar triangular structure, carbon atom in the middle, oxygen atoms at three vertices.
Ionic bond: There is an ionic bond between calcium ion and carbonate ion.
Covalent bond: There is a covalent bond inside the carbonate ion.
Complete cleavage: There is complete cleavage along the rhombohedral {1011} direction.
Hardness: Mohs hardness is 3.
Birefringence: Due to the anisotropy of the crystal structure, light will be birefred when passing through.
Polymorphism: Calcite, aragonite and vaterite are polymorphic variants with the same chemical composition but different crystal structures.
Sedimentation and metamorphism: Common in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, also found in hydrothermal veins and cave sediments.
In summary, the crystal structure of calcite determines its physical and chemical properties, including cleavage, hardness, birefringence, etc. These properties make it have important applications in industry and science.
Article Title: What is the crystal structure of calcite?
Author:Xingaonai
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