The Periodic Spiral of Elements offers an alternative to the periodic table of elements, which incorporates more modern advances in visualizing electron shells and elemental periodicity. This graph, originally published in 1964 by Otto Theodore Benfey, is re-imagined as a tool to graph molecules. Mineral crystals, of a singular chemical composition, provide the perfect study for exploring the shape of molecules. Preliminary studies have shown that this technique helps to engage the audience in chemical information, and makes chemical information more relatable to real-world objects. Finally, the Periodic Spiral of Elements has shown to out-preform traditional models as a tool in mineral identification / sorting minerals.

Check out some of the examples below! If you’re intererested in purchasing a copy, please fill out the order form below. The complete book has 200+ minerals listed, chemical composition described, and a full-color (hand-drawn) illustration. Thanks so much!