trigonal system
crystal systemsThe seven primitive crystal systems.
trigonal system, one of the structural categories to which crystalline solids can be assigned. The trigonal system is sometimes considered to be a subdivision of the hexagonal system.
Components of crystals in the trigonal system, like those of the hexagonal system, are located by reference to four axes—three of equal length with 120° intersections and one perpendicular to the plane of the other three. The trigonal unit cell is distinguished by the presence of a single line called an axis of three-fold symmetry about which the cell can be rotated by 120° to produce a face indistinguishable from the face presented in the starting position. Selenium and other elements may crystallize in trigonal form.
This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.
Citation Information
Article Title:
trigonal system
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
08 February 2018
Access Date:
November 13, 2026