Structure of Spinel

Abstract

This paper reviews the crystal structure of compounds with the general formula AB2X4, which crystallize with the same atomic structure as the mineral spinel, MgAl2O4. Three degrees of freedom associated with the detailed atomic arrangements of spinels are considered here: (i) the lattice parameter, a; (ii) the anion parameter, u; and (iii) the cation inversion parameter, i. Oxide spinels are used as examples to explore the interrelationships between these parameters.