BRAVAIS LATTICES

RAGESH NATH R
ST.JOSEPH’S COLLEGE BANGALORE
(AUTONOMOUS)
 7 CRYSTAL LATTICE
 We know that a three dimensional space lattice is generated by
repeated translation of three non-coplanar vectors a, b, c. Based
on the lattice parameters we can have 7 popular crystal systems.
 C TOM THR

Crystal system Unit vector Angles

Cubic a= b=c α =β =√=90
Tetragonal a = b≠ c α =β =√=90
Orthorhombic a≠b≠c α =β =√=90
Monoclinic a≠b≠c α =β =90 ≠√
Triclinic a≠b≠c α ≠ β ≠√ ≠90
Hexagonal a= b ≠ c α =β=90
√=120
Rhombohedral a= b=c α =β =√≠90
 BRAVAIS LATTICES
 In 1850, M. A. Bravais showed that identical points can
be arranged spatially to produce 14 types of regular
pattern. These 14 space lattices are known as ‘Bravais
lattices’.
 Each point in a lattice is called lattice point or lattice
site.
 Each point in a crsytal lattice represents one
constituent particle which may be an atom, a
molecule(group of atoms)or an ion.
 Lattice points are joined by straight lines to bring out
the geometry of the lattice.
 UNIT CELL
 Unit cell is the smallest portion of a crystal lattice which,
when repeated in different directions, generates the entire
lattice.
it is characterized by;
 Its dimensions along the three edges a,b and c. these edges
may or may not be mutually perpendicular.
 Angles between the edges α (between b and c) ß (between
a and c) and γ (between a and b). Thus a unit cell is
characterized by six parameters.
PRIMITIVE AND CENTRED UNIT CELLS

Unit cells can be broadly divided into two categories , primitive and
centred unit cells.
 When constituent particles are present only on the corner positions
of a unit cell. It is called as Primitive unit cell.
 When a unit cell contains one or more constituent particles present
at the positions other than corners in addition to those at corners, it
is called a centred unit cell.
 THREE TYPES OF CENTRED UNIT CELLS.
1. Body–centred unit cells.
Such a unit cell contains one constituent particle(atom,
molecule or ion) at its BODY-CENTRE beside the ones that are
at the corners.
2. FACE-CENTRED UNIT CELLS
Such a unit cell contains one constituent particle present at the
CENTRE of each face, besides the ones that are at its corners.
 3.End-centred unit cells.
In such a unit cell, one constituent particle is present at the centre
of TWO OPPOSITE FACES besides the ones present at its corners.
ARRANGEMENT OF LATTICE POINTS IN THE UNIT & NO. OF LATTICE POINTS / CELL.
FOURTEEN BRAVAIS LATTICES

P I F E

a bc       90

Corresponding Examples
NaCl, Zinc Blende, Cu
 P I F E

a bc
      90
White tin, SnO2, TiO2, CaSO4
 P I F E

abc
      90
Rhombic sulfur, KNO3, BaSO4
 P I F E

4 Monoclinic Parallogramic Prism  

abc
    90  
Monoclinic sulfur, Na2SO4.10H2O
 P I F E

5 Triclinic Parallelepiped (general) 

abc
   

K2Cr2O7, CuSO4.5H2O, H3BO3

 P I F E

6 Hexagonal 120 Rhombic Prism 

a bc

    90,   120

Graphite, ZnO, CdS

 P I F E

7 Rhombohedral Parallelepiped (Equilateral, Equiangular) 

a bc
      90

Calcite (CaCO3), Cinnabar (HgS)

 Crystal System Shape of UC Bravais Lattices
P I F E

4 Monoclinic Parallogramic Prism  

5 Triclinic Parallelepiped (general) 

6 Hexagonal 120 Rhombic Prism 

7 Rhombohedral Parallelepiped (Equilateral, Equiangular) 

NOTE:

The Crystal Systems are defined based on Symmetries

(Rotational, Mirror, Inversion etc.  forming the Point
Groups) and NOT on the geometry of the Unit Cell
THANK YOU