Suorakaiteelliset

Suorakaiteelliset refers to a group of minerals that crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal system. This system is characterized by three axes of unequal lengths that are mutually perpendicular. The term "orthorhombic" is derived from the Greek words "orthos" meaning straight, and "rhombos" meaning oblique, reflecting the rectangular prism shape of the crystals and the angles between the axes.

The orthorhombic crystal system is one of the seven crystal systems and is less symmetric than the cubic system but more symmetric than the monoclinic and triclinic systems. Minerals in this system have distinct cleavage planes along the crystallographic axes, which can be observed in their physical properties.

Examples of suorakaiteelliset minerals include aegirine, hornblende, and orthoclase. These minerals are often found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and are important in geological studies due to their diagnostic properties and the information they provide about the conditions under which they formed.

The orthorhombic crystal system is also significant in materials science, as many synthetic materials, such as certain ceramics and semiconductors, crystallize in this system. Understanding the properties of orthorhombic crystals is crucial for the development of new materials with specific applications in technology and industry.