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A System of Nomenclature for the Fibrous Calcium Silicates, and a Study of Xonotlite Polytypes

Nature volume 211, pages 1078–1079 (1966)Cite this article

Abstract

FIBROUS calcium silicates occur as polytypes because each (Si3O9)∞ or (Si6O17)∞ chain can occupy alternative positions differing by b/2 relative to sheets of calcium atoms1–7. In an attempt to limit the number of “trivial” names, the International Mineralogical Association's Commission on Mineral Names8 has recommended the use of suffixes such as wollastonite-Tc and -2M, but cases with several variable parameters were not adequately covered. This communication describes a comprehensive system of nomenclature, which uses suffixes derived from the reciprocal lattice. This system could be extended to cover polytypes in other inorganic phases.

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  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen,

    J. A. GARD

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  1. J. A. GARD
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GARD, J. A System of Nomenclature for the Fibrous Calcium Silicates, and a Study of Xonotlite Polytypes. Nature 211, 1078–1079 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1038/2111078a0

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