Wooden Crystal Models - Tetragonal

Wooden Crystal Models - Tetragonal

Geology, Mineralogy and Crystallography

Physical Description

These crystal models are composed of light pearwood. Each model is precisely shaped with correct facets and angles to illustrate seven different groups of crystal structures: isometric, tetragonal, hexagonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic/trigonal, and twins. Some have been carefully sanded to represent natural curvature of face edges. Each individual model is unique, the length varying from 3 to 7 centimeters and the width from 2 to 7 centimeters. Some have identification numbers carved into them, which pertain to their original kit number given by the manufacturer. Some have handwritten numbers in black ink on their flat faces, which identify the name of the crystal they represent.

Functional Description

These crystal models were made as a tool for teaching crystallography and the morphology of crystals. Each model has unique external symmetry that replicates the actual crystal, providing a hands-on teaching practice that is still used today in class rooms. This specific collection is still used to teach crystallography at Michigan Technological University.

Savannah de Luca

c. 1910

English

Physical object

none

Length: average 5cm by 5cm

Pearwood

Dr. F. Kranz, Bonn, Germany

Some have identification numbers cut into them pertaining to each kit they originally came from, some have writing in ink on the flat faces that identify the mineral they model.

A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum