Lab-Aids: Diamond Crystal Molecular Model

This LAB-AIDS‚® Kit produces a rigid, giant, 3-dimensional network. Its skeletal "lattice" allows students to see all atoms and graphically demonstrates concepts such as unit cell, cleavage planes and geometry of bonds. 

Even though it's scaled for classroom demonstration, the diamond crystal model is large enough to be seen from the back of the classroom. There are 168 carbon atoms and 283 covalent bonds that fit together giving a realistic impression of the actual solid. Each atom is firmly bound by covalent bonds to four other atoms located at the corners of a regular tetrahedron. The individual atoms are molded from a durable plastic which makes it possible to continually connect and disconnect the atoms.

Teachers can make an actual comparison to a graphite crystal (LAB-AIDS‚® No. 502) to illustrate how the difference in bonding affects the physical properties of the two substances. This model can be taken apart easily for storage and reused for several years.