Describing a crystal or mineral that has different forms or structures at opposite ends, lacking complete symmetry along the main axis.
From 'hemimorph' plus the suffix '-ic.' This mineralogical term emerged in the 19th century as crystallographers needed language to describe asymmetrical crystals they observed.
Hemimorphic crystals are proof that asymmetry can be just as precise and orderly as symmetry—minerals like tourmaline and hemimorphite have this property, and it's directly responsible for their piezoelectric properties used in electronics.
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