UVA Virtual Lab: Crystal Facets and Miller Indicies
                
 
© 2003-2009 J.C. Bean
 
Crystal facets (faces) are described by three numbers called "Miller indicies."

For a "cubic" crystal, such as silicon, you find the Miller indicies of a facet by figuring out the vector perpendicular to that facet.

The vector (0)x + (0)y + (1)z is perpendicular to the facet on top, so this is a (001) facet.

The facet that starts at the front is perpendicular to (1)x+(-1)y+(1)z making it a (1-11) facet.

Drag the mouse across the model (repeatedly) to rotate it.

Restore its position with the reset button.
 
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