Crystal Structural Models using Chime Plug-in
The Chime plug-in is a standard
plug-in used for displaying chemical molecules and is available from MDL, a subsidiary
of Elsevier Science. A full Chime
Tutorial is available from the Internet Journal of Chemistry, but a brief explanation
of instructions is given below. Use Netscape Navigator 3, MS Explorer 4, or newer
for best results. Of course, crystal structures rotate faster on faster computers.
Mineral groups available:
Notes on construction of models
Chime Instructions
If you have properly installed Chime on your computer, you will see two ball-and-stick
models of quartz below.
Show Si atoms
Show oxygen atoms
Show all
- Models can be rotated by clicking and dragging the mouse over the structure.
Start dragging the mouse quickly or you get the pop-up menu instead.
- Models can be resized by holding down the shift key while clicking
and dragging the (left) mouse button. Dragging to top decreases the size, and dragging
to the bottom increases the size.
- Models can be moved by holding down the option key while clicking
and dragging the (left) mouse button.
- Change the display type by placing the mouse somewhere in the Chime display
area and holding down the mouse button (or click the right mouse button). A pop-up
menu will appear. In the Display selection, choose stick or spacefill
options that appear off to the side.
- The pop-up menu provides additional features. The rotation selection will
start or stop rotation of the molecule. The options selection provides the
ability to add a dot surface representing the van der Waals radii, etc. The color
selection allows you to switch to standard color schemes used for organic molecules.
- The small pushbuttons below the image provide other functions.
- The white box outlines the unit cell.
(These directions modified from Steven M. Bachrach at the Internet
Journal of Chemistry)
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Last modified January 5, 1999.
