Monokliinisia

Monokliinisia, sometimes referred to as monoclinic crystals, describes one of the seven crystal systems used in crystallography. In this system, the unit cell is defined by three unequal axes, with two of the angles between them being 90 degrees, and the third angle being oblique. The characteristic feature of the monoclinic system is the presence of a single twofold rotation axis, or a mirror plane, or both in combination. This symmetry element dictates how the atoms or molecules are arranged within the crystal lattice. Minerals crystallizing in the monoclinic system include well-known examples like gypsum, orthoclase feldspar, and mica. The shape of monoclinic crystals can vary greatly, but they often exhibit forms like prisms and pinacoids. The optical properties of monoclinic crystals are also influenced by their symmetry, typically showing uniaxial or biaxial birefringence. Understanding the monoclinic system is crucial for identifying minerals and for comprehending their physical and chemical properties.