Crystal Systems:
Isometric- The three crystallographic axes are all in equal length and intersect at right angles(90 degrees) to one another Tetragonal- Three axes, all at right angles, two of which are equal in length (A and B) and one (C) which is different in length (shorter or longer). Note: If C was equal in length to A then this would be the isometric system. Orthorhombic- Three axes, all at right angles, and all three of different lengths. Note: If any axis was of equal length to any other, then this would be the tetragonal system. |
Hexagonal- This system has four axes. Three of the axes at 120 degrees between the positive ends. These 3 axes, labeled a1, a2, and a3, are the same length. The fourth axis, termed c, may be longer or shorter than the a set. The c axis also passes through the intersection of the a axes set at a right angle to the plane formed by the set. |