2D Crystallographic Point Groups and Motif Shading
Manish Kumar
April 24, 2026
1 Introduction
In two-dimensional crystallography, the crystallographic restriction theorem states that
only rotational symmetries of order n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 are permitted. When combined with
mirror reflections, these operations give rise to exactly 10 two-dimensional crystallo-
graphic point groups.
This assignment outlines these point groups using Schoenflies notation, categorizing
them by their compatible Bravais lattices (BL), and discusses how motifs (such as squares,
rectangles, or hexagons) can be shaded to visually represent these specific symmetries.
2 Point Groups by Lattice Type
2.1 Oblique Lattice (Parallelogram)
An oblique lattice has the lowest baseline symmetry.
• C1 : Only the identity operation (E) is present. This can be represented by a motif
with no symmetry, such as an irregularly shaded parallelogram at each BL point.
• C2 : Contains identity (E) and a 2-fold rotation (180◦ ). This is achieved if the motif
is shaded such that the top half is an inverted, rotated copy of the bottom half.
2.2 Rectangular Lattices (Primitive and Centered)
• Cs (or C1v ): Contains identity (E) and one mirror plane (σ). To represent this,
a rectangle can be shaded symmetrically across one central axis (e.g., the left and
right sides are shaded identically, but the top and bottom are not).
• C2v : Contains identity (E), 2-fold rotation (C2 ), and two orthogonal mirror planes
(σv , σv′ ). Represented by a rectangle shaded symmetrically across both its horizontal
and vertical axes.
2.3 Square Lattice
• C4 : Contains identity (E) and a 4-fold rotation (C4 ). This can be visualized by a
square shaded such that each quadrant is identical only upon a 90◦ rotation (e.g.,
a ”pinwheel” or ”swastika” style shading pattern). It lacks mirror symmetry.
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• C4v : Contains identity (E), 4-fold rotation (C4 ), two mirror planes along the pri-
mary axes, and two along the diagonals. This is represented by a square symmetri-
cally shaded across all axes and diagonals (e.g., a completely solid color or a highly
symmetric cross pattern).
2.4 Hexagonal Lattice
• C3 : 3-fold rotation (120◦ ). A hexagon shaded with a 3-blade propeller pattern,
lacking mirror planes.
• C3v : 3-fold rotation and three mirror planes.
• C6 : 6-fold rotation (60◦ ). A hexagon shaded identically in all 6 sectors, but lacking
mirror symmetry (i.e., a chiral shading pattern).
• C6v : The highest symmetry 2D point group, containing a 6-fold rotation and six
mirror planes. A completely symmetric hexagon.
3 Shading Scheme for Symmetry (Motif Design)
As discussed in class with the dice examples, the inherent symmetry of the lattice points
must be matched or systematically broken by the basis (motif) to achieve a specific point
group.
For instance, to reduce a square lattice from C4v to C4 , we can shade just one specific
corner of the square motif (e.g., the top-right corner) and propagate that rotationally.
Rotating the entire square by 90◦ maps the shaded corner onto the next corner, preserving
the C4 symmetry. However, any mirror reflection will flip the ”handedness” of the rotation
direction of the shading, thereby breaking the C4v symmetry.
4 Conclusion
By placing differently shaded geometric shapes at the standard Bravais lattice points,
we can physically construct all 10 two-dimensional crystallographic point groups. The
Schoenflies notation provides a precise and compact way to categorize the exact rotational
and reflectional symmetries preserved by these uniquely shaded motifs.
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Figure 1: Square lattice exhibiting C4 sym- Figure 2: Square lattice exhibiting highest
metry (chiral motif lacking mirror planes). C4v symmetry (fully symmetric motif).
Figure 3: Visual representation of crystallographic point groups on a square lattice.