Crys`tal*li*za"tion
(kr&ibreve;s`tal*l&ibreve;*zā"shŭn),
n. [Cf. F. cristallization.]
1. (Chem. & Min.) The act or process
by which a substance in solidifying assumes the form and
structure of a crystal, or becomes crystallized.
2. The body formed by crystallizing; as,
silver on precipitation forms arborescent
crystallizations.
&fist; The systems of crystallization are the several classes
to which the forms are mathematically referable. They are most
simply described according to the relative lengths and
inclinations of certain assumed lines called axes; but the real
distinction is the degree of symmetry characterizing them. 1.
The Isometric, or Monometric, system has the axes all
equal, as in the cube, octahedron, etc. 2. The Tetragonal, or
Dimetric, system has a varying vertical axis, while the
lateral are equal, as in the right square prism. 3. The
Orthorhombic, or Trimetric, system has the three axes
unequal, as in the rectangular and rhombic prism. In this system,
the lateral axes are called, respectively, macrodiagonal
and brachydiagonal. -- The preceding are erect forms, the
axes intersecting at right angles. The following are oblique. 4.
The Monoclinic system, having one of the intersections
oblique, as in the oblique rhombic prism. In this system, the
lateral axes are called respectively, clinodiagonal and
orthodiagonal. 5. The Triclinic system, having all
the three intersections oblique, as in the oblique rhomboidal
prism. There is also: 6. The Hexagonal system (one
division of which is called Rhombohedral), in which there
are three equal lateral axes, and a vertical axis of variable
length, as in the hexagonal prism and the rhombohedron.
&fist; The Diclinic system, sometimes recognized, with
two oblique intersections, is only a variety of the
Triclinic.
