[1] This shape has D4d symmetry and is one of the three common shapes for octacoordinate transition metal complexes, along with the dodecahedron and the bicapped trigonal prism.

[2][3] Like with other high coordination numbers, eight-coordinate compounds are often distorted from idealized geometries, as illustrated by the structure of Na3TaF8.

In this case, with the small Na+ ions, lattice forces are strong.

With the diatomic cation NO+, the lattice forces are weaker, such as in (NO)2XeF8, which crystallizes with a more idealized square antiprismatic geometry.

An example of a molecular species with square prismatic geometry (a slightly flattened cube) is octafluoroprotactinate(V), [PaF8]3–, as found in its sodium salt, Na3PaF8.