The two commonly used systems of magnetic space-group (MSG) symbols, with accompanying numbers and settings, are those of Belov-Neronova-Smirnova (BNS) and Opechowski-Guccione (OG). The symbols from both systems have been used for several decades now. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Both present challenges of interpretation to novice and expert users alike, which can inhibit understanding and lead to errors in published magnetic structures. To address each of these challenges going forward, a new unified (UNI) MSG symbol is introduced, which combines a modified BNS symbol with essential information from the OG symbol.
Keywords: Belov–Neronova–Smirnova; Hermann–Mauguin; Opechowski–Guccione; magnetic space group; time reversal.