Tetragonal

Tetragonal describes a crystal system characterized by three axes, two of which are of equal length and intersect at right angles, while the third axis is of a different length and also intersects the other two axes at right angles. This system is identified by its four-fold rotational symmetry, meaning that a crystal in this system appears identical after rotation by 90 degrees. tetragonal crystals often have a square or rectangular cross-section and exhibit specific optical properties related to light polarization. The term is crucial in crystallography, mineralogy, and materials science for identifying and classifying crystalline structures and understanding their physical and chemical properties. This specific structural arrangement dictates many of a material’s characteristics.

Tetragonal meaning with examples

• In analyzing the mineral sample, the scientist determined its crystalline structure to be tetragonal, noting the characteristic four-fold symmetry and unequal axial lengths. The X-ray diffraction pattern clearly revealed the arrangement, confirming the tetragonal classification, a key piece of evidence for identifying the specific mineral type. This structural analysis allowed accurate prediction of the mineral's refractive index, which is influenced by the tetragonal crystal system's optical properties.
• When the new ceramic material was synthesized, the microscopy data unveiled a tetragonal crystalline structure, providing a crucial clue regarding its strength and thermal stability. The observed crystal morphology, displaying rectangular prisms, strongly supported this conclusion. The material's unique performance parameters were subsequently found to correlate well with the calculated mechanical properties of the tetragonal lattice structure. Further testing was then done and compared to those of similar hexagonal and cubic structures.
• The geologist, using polarized light microscopy, identified a tetragonal crystal within the volcanic rock, immediately signaling its origin and formation conditions. The extinction patterns observed were characteristic of tetragonal crystals, where light polarization is impacted by the crystal's unequal axial lengths. This characteristic aided in interpreting the petrogenesis of the magma. This understanding was essential for understanding the Earth’s formation process.
• During the materials design process, the researchers aimed to engineer a novel compound with a desired piezoelectric effect, and were able to predict this to be possible by carefully orienting the structural elements in the crystal to create a tetragonal symmetry. This was done by carefully controlling the cooling process and the pressure applied to the compound as the molecules formed the crystal. This design approach proved successful, and yielded the desired effect in the finished product, which was then tested.
• The crystallographer used a computer simulation to predict the properties of a hypothetical tetragonal crystal structure of a novel carbon allotrope. By modelling the interactions of atoms within the tetragonal lattice, she was able to foresee its hardness and other unique characteristics. This simulated design process enabled them to screen numerous potential structures to identify the most promising candidates for experimental synthesis. The structure exhibited unique properties and was later tested for its use as a potential conductor.