Cubic Bravais Type Lattice

The set of 14 Bravais space lattices was designed for use in the teaching and study of fundamental lattice types. Bravais space lattices represent the 14 basic lattice types from which according to Bravais, practically all natural crystals originate. The models have an edge length of approximately 15cm, and are assembled of 25 mm wood spheres, connected by metal rods. Six different colors identify each crystal lattice with one of the six fundamental crystal structures. Models are sufficiently large for demonstration purposes. Each model comes clearly labeled, and can be ordered individually, or as a complete set.

In geometry and crystallography, a Bravais lattice, studied by Auguste Bravais (1850), is an infinite array of discrete points in three dimensional space generated by a set of discrete translation operations described by:

where ni are any integers and ai are known as the primitive vectors which lie in different directions and span the lattice. This discrete set of vectors must be closed under vector addition and subtraction. For any choice of position vector R, the lattice looks exactly the same.
When the discrete points are atoms, ions, or polymer strings of solid matter, the Bravais lattice concept is used to formally define a crystalline arrangement and its (finite) frontiers. A crystal is made up of a periodic arrangement of one or more atoms (the basis) repeated at each lattice point. Consequently, the crystal looks the same when viewed from any equivalent lattice point, namely those separated by the translation of one unit cell (the motive).
Two Bravais lattices are often considered equivalent if they have isomorphic symmetry groups. In this sense, there are 14 possible Bravais lattices in three-dimensional space. The 14 possible symmetry groups of Bravais lattices are 14 of the 230 space groups.

This model is hand made in the USA by Klinger Educational Products. This is a permanent structure. We only use grade A materials. The 1 inch balls are made of hard Maplewood that includes an enameled painted finish. Polished steel rods are used to connect the wooden balls together.