allotropes
Same element, different structures
Allotropes are different physical forms of the same chemical element.
Carbon exists as diamond, graphite, and fullerene—three allotropes with identical atoms arranged differently, producing vastly different properties.
Oxygen has two allotropes: the O₂ we breathe and O₃ (ozone).
The concept explains how one element can appear in multiple distinct forms.
Crystallized carbon gemstone
- graphiteCrystalline carbon allotrope
- fullereneCage-shaped carbon allotrope
- grapheneMonolayer carbon hexagonal lattice
- ozoneTriatomic oxygen allotrope
buckminsterfullerene · nanotube · carbonado · charcoal · soot · lonsdaleite
Sixth element, atomic symbol C
- oxygenElement eight, colorless gas
- sulfurYellow combustible element
- phosphorusGlow-in-dark element
- boronFifth element, symbol B
silicon · tin · selenium · arsenic · antimony · tellurium · polonium · germanium
Openwork of crossed strips
- covalentSharing electrons between atoms
- bondingForming close connections
- tetrahedralHaving four triangular sides
- hexagonalSix-edged polygon's form
cubic · layered · network · cage · cluster · amorphous · crystalline · molecular
Resistance to penetration
- conductivityAbility to carry current
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- reactivityTendency to chemically combine
- transparencyState of being see-through
color · density · brittleness · lubricity · semiconductor · insulator · metallic · nonmetallic
Measured heat intensity
- pressureForce upon contact
- metastableStable but not permanently
- thermodynamicOf heat-energy science
- kineticRelating to motion
diamond
Crystallized carbon gemstone
- graphiteCrystalline carbon allotrope
- fullereneCage-shaped carbon allotrope
- grapheneMonolayer carbon hexagonal lattice
ozone · buckminsterfullerene · nanotube · carbonado · charcoal · soot · lonsdaleite
carbon
Sixth element, atomic symbol C
- oxygenElement eight, colorless gas
- sulfurYellow combustible element
- phosphorusGlow-in-dark element
boron · silicon · tin · selenium · arsenic · antimony · tellurium · polonium · germanium · nitrogen
lattice
Openwork of crossed strips
- covalentSharing electrons between atoms
- bondingForming close connections
- tetrahedralHaving four triangular sides
hexagonal · cubic · layered · network · cage · cluster · amorphous · crystalline · molecular · polymeric
hardness
Resistance to penetration
- conductivityAbility to carry current
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- reactivityTendency to chemically combine
transparency · color · density · brittleness · lubricity · semiconductor · insulator · metallic · nonmetallic
temperature
Measured heat intensity
- pressureForce upon contact
- metastableStable but not permanently
- thermodynamicOf heat-energy science
allotropescompounds
Bonded element substances
chemical compounds · molecules · mixtures · alloys · solutions
allotropesmixtures
Combined unlike parts
composites · amalgams · blends · emulsions · suspensions