Hexagonal System

 

Characteristics of Hexagonal Crystals:

  • 12 crystal classes divided into two groups
  • Hexagonal division with a 6-fold symmetry axis
  • Rhombohedral division have a 3-fold symmetry axis
  • Four crystallographic axes of equal length with angels of 120 degrees. The fourth axis is vertical.

Common Minerals of the Hexagonal System

  • Quartz
  • Kalsilite
  • Benitoite
  • Wurtzite
  • Greenockite
  • Zincite
  • Apatite
  • Nepheline
  • Calcite
  • Corundum
  • Hematite
  • Brucite
  • Soda niter
  • Arsenic
  • Millerite
  • Antimony
  • Bismuth
  • Cinnabar
  • Berlinite
  • Tourmaline
  • Pyraragyrite
  • Prouslite
  • Alunite
  • Dolomite
  • Ilmenite
  • Willemite
  • Phenacite