Tetraxis® Geometric Puzzle
Four axes of fun!
$24.99
The Tetraxis puzzle is back in stock!
As seen in The New Yorker!
Download Assembly Instructions
Building a Tetraxis puzzle is both enjoyable and instructive. Each of the twelve component pieces is interchangeable and reversible, fitting into the completed puzzle in exactly the same way as every other one.
The sticks all interlock without intersecting, symmetrically surrounding a space with twelve sides. The internal magnets serve as a guide to assembly, allowing each piece to be placed with a satisfying snap. The finished Tetraxis puzzle is a highly organized and stable equilibrium of forces, a balance of push and pull.
In the completed construction, each stick is parallel to two others, creating four sets of three parallel sticks. Each set points in one of four different directions, giving the puzzle its name: “Tetraxis”.
Assembling the Tetraxis puzzle introduces a set of four directions that are prevalent in nature. For example, atoms such as carbon and silicon interact with other atoms along these four directional lines.
Various color patterns can be explored with the Tetraxis puzzle. While the shapes of each of the pieces are the same, the different colors can be organized in several ways, highlighting the various symmetries that can be found in the completed puzzle. Can you put the Tetraxis puzzle together so that all the sticks of a single color point the same way? How about assembling it so that no two sticks of a single color point the same way?
Check out this hot new Tetraxis puzzle video, featuring vocals by MoMath’s own Mathematical Programmer, Josh Brandoff, and Executive Director, Glen Whitney!
- Recommended Age:
- 8+
- Colors:
- Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow
- Pieces:
- 12
- Material:
- Pthalate-free, lead-free plastic with embedded neodymium magnets
- Safety Notice:
- Magnetic pieces should be kept away from pacemakers. If magnets become visible due to damage, please discontinue use of product.
- Photography Notes:
- All photos of children handling Tetraxis puzzle were taken by Sam Levitan Photography. All other photos were taken by Giro Studio.