Original paper
The close packing in the classification of minerals
Lima-de-Faria, José
European Journal of Mineralogy Volume 24 Number 1 (2012), p. 163 - 169
published: Feb 24, 2012
Abstract
The importance of close packing, which is fundamental for the understanding of the mineral kingdom, is nowadays still disregarded by some mineralogists, although in old times it has been considered one of the main basis of the structure of minerals. A small historical approach is presented and evidence is provided that many mineral structures are based on close packing. The examination of 3248 mineral structures reveals at least 457 close-packed ones, which are compiled into a table.
Keywords
close packing • classification of minerals • crystal structure • mineral