188-3 Mineralogy in 3D: Digital and Fabricated Models for Visualizing Symmetry

Session: Technology and tools for 3D visualization of field and lab data in teaching and research

Presenting Author:

Authors:

Abstract:

Familiarity with crystal symmetry and indexing is a valuable tool for understanding properties of minerals: habit, cleavage, and optics are all closely tied to symmetry. Unfortunately, many students find groups, forms, and classes to be among the most challenging topics encountered in mineralogy. Models of various kinds have always been a key tool for teaching these concepts. Novel technology provides new methods to create models, both digital and physical, that encourage learners to interact with three-dimensional shapes and their symmetry groups.

Desmos is a free, online graphing calculator; since 2024, it has included 3D graphing capabilities. In addition to static graphs, it can incorporate dynamic and easily controlled changes in variables, including as animations. It uses a simple, straightforward scripting language. These features support the creation of interactive models illustrating expressions of the forms in a crystal of a particular tracht, as well as animations showing the nature of various symmetry elements.

Advances in computer-controlled fabrication have also introduced new ways to create precise physical models with minimal investment of time, money, and specialized training. A computerized cutting machine (e.g. Cricut) can be used to create foldable paper models of specific minerals or forms. Paper allows for large, inexpensive models that permit informational marking. Students may assemble, annotate, and keep their own models. Custom models reflecting specific mineral samples create a bridge from the abstraction of groups to the natural world.

Digital and physical models have been successfully incorporated into the mineralogy class at our institution. Using zircon as an entry point, students interacted with models of crystal morphology, families of lattice planes, and intersecting forms, as well as with actual zircon samples. Zircon’s symmetry group is sufficiently large to introduce important symmetry elements and concepts, but avoids the complications of the isometric system. Multiple representations of this pattern promoted exploration of the connections between lattice structure and external morphology. Students exhibited an increased comprehension of symmetry, habit, and indexing. 

© Copyright 2026 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved.