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# Hexagonal crystal system

### Additional recommended knowledge

In crystallography, the hexagonal crystal system is one of the 7 lattice point groups (see Hexagonal lattice). It has the same symmetry as a right prism with a hexagonal base. There is only one hexagonal Bravais lattice, which has six atoms per unit cell.

Graphite is an example of a crystal that crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system.

Hexagonal arrangements have also been observed in systems of amphiphiles and constitutes one of the types of lipid polymorphism.

The point groups (crystal classes) that fall under this crystal system are listed below, followed by their representations in Hermann-Mauguin or international notation and Schoenflies notation, and mineral examples, if they exist.

 name international Schoenflies example dihexagonal bipyramidal $\mathrm{\frac6mmm}$ D6h beryl dihexagonal pyramidal $\mathrm{6mm} \,$ C6v greenockite hexagonal bipyramidal $\mathrm{\frac6m}$ C6h apatite hexagonal pyramidal $\mathrm{6} \,$ C6 nepheline hexagonal trapezohedral $622 \,$ D6 kalsilite and high quartz ditrigonal bipyramidal $\mathrm{\overline{6}2m}$ D3h benitoite trigonal bipyramidal $\overline{6}$ C3h none