Combining Octahedral and Icosahedral Symmetry to Form Pyritohedral Symmetry

Pyritohedral symmetry, seen by example both above and below, is most often described at the symmetry of a volleyball:

[Image of volleyball found here.]

To make the rotating polyhedral compound at the top, from an octahedron and an icosahedron, I simply combined these two polyhedra, using Stella 4d, which may be purchased (or tried for free) here.

In the process, I demonstrated that it is possible to combine a figure with octahedral (sometimes called cuboctahedral) symmetry, with a figure with icosahedral (sometimes called icosidodecahedral) symmetry, to produce a figure with pyritohedral symmetry.

Now I can continue with the rest of my day. No matter what happens, I’ll at least know I accomplished something.