Hematite

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This is a detailed three-dimensional model of hematite, a mineral composed of Fe3+ ions that are octahedrally coordinated with O2- ions. Chel Samuels created this scale model using Pauling's Rules, XRD-derived bond lengths, and simple trigonometry in CINEMA 4D as part of the W&L GEOL 211 class (Earth Materials I: Rocks and Minerals). The structure is described by Chel as follows: Hematite consists of Fe3+ ions surrounded octahedrally by O2- ions. These octahedra are arranged in a specific pattern with each other, participating in edge-sharing when viewed in three dimensions along its hexagonal rhombohedral 3D lattice structure. The model shows the octahedra in green, oxygen ions at one-third of their scaled size in blue, and iron ions in red. A view from the side reveals the hollows within the dioctahedral lattice structure.