Oh-1 Calcite (Crystal Model)
Aim
To illustrate the lattice structure of calcite.
Apparatus
- Calcite model
Calcite Crystal Model 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.