OCTAHEDRON
Diamond
Composition: C (Carbon)
Hardness: 10
Colours: clear, white, yellow, blue, and pink
When subjected to high temperatures, carbon under immense pressure in deep volcanic pipes will form into diamonds. For this reason, diamond is the hardest substance known today. However, since diamonds are brittle, they will cleave when struck. (This is why large diamonds are rare.) Because they sparkle when polished, diamonds have become a symbol of purity and power. Today, diamonds also symbolise love.
DODECAHEDRON
Sodalite
Composition: Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2 (sodium aluminum silicate with chlorine)
Hardness: 5.5 - 6
Colours: blue
Often mistaken for lapis lazuli, this deep blue stone has white inclusions instead of gold. Relatively rare, sodalite is found only in silica-poor igneous rocks. Its high sodium content places this crystal in the family of aluminosilcates. Used in beadwork, sodalite’s blue colours add to the beauty of jewelry. For New Agers, sodalite is used to clear electromagnetic pollution in homes.
ICOSAHEDRON
Rhinovirus
Taxonomy: Group IV ((+) ssRNA): Picornavirales: Picornaviridae:
Rhinovirus (Genus): Species: 100 types
One of the most common viruses known to people is the rhinovirus. Growing best in hot environments, this virus thrives in people’s noses, hence the name “rhino” from Greek: meaning “nose”. Because this virus is highly adaptable, developing a vaccine against it is quite difficult. Transmission of this virus is through sneezing, and touching surfaces. Since rhinoviruses are sensitive to acidic environments, washing with soap is effective in stopping their spread.
Works Used:
Bergmann, Rolf, “Viruses with icosahedral capsids”, 2006, University of Hamburg, 10 November 2009, http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/lehre/bza/virus/introicos.htm
Cunningham, Scott, “Crystal, Gem, & Metal Magic”, Llewellyn, St. Paul MN, 2002
----, “Methane”, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2006, 10 November 2009, http://www.epa.gov/methane/scientific.html
Hall, Judy, “The Crystal Bible”, Godsfield, Alresdord, UK, 2003
Howard, Mike and Darcy, “Introduction to Crystallography and Mineral Crystal Systems”, Bob’s Rock Shop, 1998, 10 November 2009, http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/xtal/index.html
Lilly, Sue, “Crystal Decoder”, Quartro, London, 2001
NNadir, “On Symmetry: Platonic Solids and Ugly Wastes, Lampblack, Coal and Carbon”, Daily Kos, 2007, 10 November 2009, http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/1/5/161753/7263
Permutt, Philip, “The Little Book of Crystal Tips & Gems”, Cico Books, New York, 2008
Sorrell. Charles, “Rocks and Minerals”, Golden Press, New York, 1973
-----, “Virus Structure”, Virology, MicrobiologyBytes, 2004, 10 November 2009, http://www.microbiologybytes.com/virology/3035Structure.html
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