Human-sized models of atomic structures show the patterns and symmetry that give gemstones their sparkle.
How were they made?Creating the giant mineral structures required a lot of hard work and planning. The first step was to research each structure and figure out how the atoms related to each other. We did this with the help of 3D visualization software. Next, we painted wooden spheres to represent all the different kinds of atoms in each of the minerals. We marked the spheres with the locations of bonds that connect the atoms, and drilled holes. Wooden dowels were cut to different bond lengths and fitted into the holes to piece the structure together. These mineral structures include hundreds of atoms, and each atom is connected by up to six bonds! Keeping track of the atoms' positions in the structure was extremely important while constructing each mineral. Wood glue and screws hold the structures together, making them light but sturdy. The final structures show the 3D patterns, symmetry, and complexity that make emeralds, rubies, and diamonds so unique.
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