hemimorphism
/ˌhɛmɪˈmɔrfɪzəm/
noun
- The property of a crystal having different forms or faces at opposite ends of an axis, so that it is not symmetrical.
- Hemimorphism is rare in most minerals but common in certain silicates.
- The mineral's hemimorphism makes it useful in piezoelectric devices.
- Students in geology class studied the hemimorphism of tourmaline crystals.