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Definition of unit cell

A parallelepiped unit of atomic dimensions within a crystal structure, containing all the atoms in the chemical unit in definite, fixed positions; and all the symmetry elements of the space lattice from which the whole crystal or crystal structure is built by regular repetitions of this unit in three dimensions. The unit cell is the smallest unit possessing all of the defining characteristics of a mineral species.

Compare with: asymmetric unit

See also cell parameter


References



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