Initial Publication Date: June 5, 2006

Part 2: Examine the Structures of Natural Clinopyroxenes

Download the crystal structures

Based on the crystal structure visualization software you will be using, follow the step-by-step instructions shown in the tabs below for downloading the crystal structures of clinopyroxenes from alkalic, mafic to ultramafic rocks in Victoria, Australia.


View the crystal structures

Click on the downloaded file to view the structure in your visualization application.


Questions to answer

Open the file for sample FR-1 in your visualization program and answer the following questions.
  1. What is the crystal system for this clinopyroxene?
  2. What elements are housed within the pressure-sensitive M1 site, and what is the coordination number of this site?
  3. What is the volume of the unit cell (in Å3) for this natural clinopyroxene?
  4. Determine the unit cell volumes for the other samples you downloaded. How much does Vcell vary among these samples from the four volcanic localities in Victoria, Australia?