Molecular models of the seven crystal systems
Model representation of space group Ia-3d
Molecular Models for Crystallography
At Miramodus, we produce a wide range of models that are ideal for teaching crystallography and mineralogy. Crystallography and the understanding of symmetry in crystal structures is a hugely difficult topic for many students to grasp and, consequently, every bit as difficult for educators to teach, but our models can help in that process. Physical models of crystal structures have long been used to help students better visualize the complex arrangements of atoms within crystalline materials.
Many people claim that the advent new technology, allows the easy visualisation of three dimensions. However, the truth isn't so simple: many people simply cannot perceive depth in computer images of any kind. That's because depth perception is the result of numerous factors that go beyond simple binocular vision (which is essentially all that 3d computer images rely on). Numerous depth cues - motion parallax, relative scale, relative focus, aerial and linear peerspective, and texture gradients all contribute extensively to our ability to perceive depth. If your perception of binocular disparity is relatively weak, you rely all the more on the other cues.
That's why simplistic stereo media, such as 3d computer and cinema screens simply don't work for many people - it is an illusion that relies absolutely on that binocular disparity. If you are one of the significant proportion of people who don't perceive it, then the effect totally fails. For many, many people, therefore, 3d computer visualisation tools are virtually useless. The use of models, however, allows instructors to effectively illustrate concepts in crystallography and crystal-chemistry, This is best achieved when the students are allowed to manipulate the crystal models themselves and to fully interact with them; the use of models has been demonstrated to assist spatial understanding and awareness in teaching.1
Our molecular models designed specifically for crystallography include sets of the 32 point groups, the 7 crystal systems, the 14 Bravais lattices, coordination polyhedra, plane groups, frieze groups, abstract depiction of space groups, highlighting of unit cells or other features and inclusion of lattice planes - if you can think of anything that you want and that we've missed, let us know and we'll happily look into making any models that you want.
1. The effect of student manipulation of molecular models on chemistry achievement according to Piagetian level
D. Gabel, R. Sherwood 1980 Journal of Research and Science Teaching v17 p75-81
Molecular models illustrating lattice planes
