Explanation
One of the hexagonal crystal structures. If the symmetry is represented by a hexahedral prism composed of three units, then there is one atom at each vertex, one atom at each center, and three atoms in the middle layer of the hexahedral prism. Because the environment of the three dots in the middle layer is different from that of other dots, the hexagonal close packed structure cannot directly form one of the kind of translational dot matrix (Bravais lattice). Instead, the three particles in the middle layer should belong to three top angles and be configured together on one dot. This constitutes a simple hexagonal translational lattice. Like the face-centered cubic structure, the hexagonal close packed structure is also one of the most closely packed structures that can be stacked by single matter atoms.
Classification
Fundamental of Material Science -> Structural basis of materials