Beryl, Be3Al2[Si6O18]
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  1. This structure uses octahedra
    This structure uses two types of tetrahedra

  2. Build a ring with alternating Al octahedra and Be tetrahedra Photo
  3. Extend the layer with alternating Al octahedra and Be tetrahedra Photo
  4. Build a second layer with alternating Al and Be
  5. Build a hexagonal ring of Si tetrahedra Photo
  6. Build a total of 6 hexagonal Si rings
  7. Join Si rings to Al Be rings Photo
  8. Join Si rings to Al Be rings (Si rings are rotated with respect to each other) Photo
  9. Join Al Be rings to Si rings (Al Be layers are mirror images)
  10. Join Si rings to Al Be rings Photo
  11. Add optional ions (see note)
  12. Add neighboring atoms
    13. Display options
    Polyhedra: Translucent Solid Quadrant Off
    Atoms: Ball&Stick Ball Stick
                Spacefill Translucent Off
    Always spacefill other ions
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    Note: OH-, H2O, F-, Rb+, Cs+, Na+ or K+ may be found within the channels formed by the Si6O18 rings. The chemical formula above does not include these and the overall charge would be balanced by isomorphic substitution.

Developed in collaboration with the
University of Wisconsin Materials Research Science and Engineering Center
Interdisciplinary Education Group   |   MRSEC on Nanostructured Interfaces
This page created by George Lisensky, Beloit College.  Last modified April 25, 2015 .