The character of the most important crystallographic forms of calcite cryst
al is quantitatively reviewed according to the Hartman and Perdok theory. S
pecific surface and edge energies of the cleavage {1 0 4} rhombohedron are
calculated in the crystal-vacuum system by means of a semi-empirical potent
ial function and following Stranski's definition of the total surface energ
y of a finite crystal. A comparison is made between the calculated Value an
d the experimental quantities entering the Dupre formula (specific crystal-
solution interface energy, specific vapour-solution surface energy): the cr
ystal-vacuum specific surface energy is proved to be quite reasonable, and
for the first time, the specific crystal-solution adhesion energy for the {
1 0 4} form is estimated. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserve
d.