Crystallometry

/ˌkrɪstəˈlɑːmətri/ noun

Definition

The measurement and study of the angles, dimensions, and geometric properties of crystals.

Etymology

From 'crystal' combined with Greek 'metron' meaning 'measure.' This term developed as scientists in the 17th-19th centuries created instruments to precisely measure crystal angles and faces.

Kelly Says

In 1669, a scientist named Nicolaus Steno noticed that the angles between crystal faces were always exactly the same in different specimens of the same mineral—this was a mind-blowing discovery because it hinted that atoms were arranged in rigid, repeating patterns!

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