Simple spinels; crystallographic parameters, cation radii, lattice energies, and cation distribution

The size of a cation is important in determining its site preference. In oxide spinels containing 2 (super +) and 3+) ions (2-3 spinels) there is a tendency for the larger ion to prefer the tetrahedral site; the reverse holds for 2-4 spinels. A set of cation radii optimized to best fit spinel lattice parameters is presented.--Modified journal abstract.