Polyhedron Models (wood)
Polyhedron models exhibit the idealized shape of crystals which is rarely observed for naturally grown crystals. Polyhedron models are divided into two groups. The first group comprises models which are made of paperboard. The second group is made of wood. Wooden models are used for exercises which are part of the course on “Introduction to crystallography and crystal defects”. The size of the models is about 5 cm in all directions in space. Wooden models are robust and can be handed over to the students. For selected polyhedron models, sets of about 20 models do exist. Aim of the exercises is to assign the ideal crystal polyhedron to a crystal system, to identify symmetry elements, and to derive the crystallographic point symmetry group. Moreover, the different methods of crystal projection from 3rd to 2nd can be reproduced. In addition to ideal crystal polyhedrons, interactive polyhedron models are part of the collection for understanding twin formation (crystal defects). Touching and handling such wooden models is an effective way to get into the field of crystallography more deeply.
