crystal structure
Repeating molecular lattice
Crystal structure is the orderly, repeating arrangement of atoms, molecules, or ions in a solid material.
The pattern extends in three dimensions, forming a lattice that determines many physical properties—hardness, how light passes through, how the material fractures.
Diamonds and graphite are both pure carbon; their different crystal structures account for their vastly different properties.
X-ray diffraction reveals the crystal structure of proteins.
Metalloid in electronics
- germaniumAtomic number thirty-two
- sapphireBlue precious corundum
- quartzCrystalline silicon dioxide
- diamondCrystallized carbon gemstone
graphite · graphene · semiconductor · superconductor · piezoelectric · metallic · ceramic · intermetallic
Having four triangular sides
- octahedralEight-faced geometric form
- cubicOf three dimensions
- hexagonalSix-edged polygon's form
- dodecahedralHaving twelve plane faces
polyhedral · packing · close-packed · body-centered · spinel · rocksalt · layered
Invariance under angular displacement
- reflection symmetryIdentical halves across axis
- inversionReversal of position
- isometricHaving uniform measurements
- hexagonalSix-edged polygon's form
trigonal · cubic · anisotropy · chiral
Waves spreading past obstacles
- electron diffractionCharged particles bent by crystals
- basisUnderlying support or principle
- periodicityRecurring at regular intervals
Forced out of position
- vacancyUnoccupied space or position
- interstitialRelating to small gaps
- polycrystallineHaving many crystal grains
- amorphousWithout distinct shape
silicon
Metalloid in electronics
diamond · graphite · graphene · semiconductor · superconductor · piezoelectric · metallic · ceramic · intermetallic · zeolite
tetrahedral
Having four triangular sides
- octahedralEight-faced geometric form
- cubicOf three dimensions
- hexagonalSix-edged polygon's form
dodecahedral · polyhedral · packing · close-packed · body-centered · spinel · rocksalt · layered
rotational symmetry
Invariance under angular displacement
- reflection symmetryIdentical halves across axis
- inversionReversal of position
- isometricHaving uniform measurements
hexagonal · trigonal · cubic · anisotropy · chiral
diffraction
Waves spreading past obstacles
- electron diffractionCharged particles bent by crystals
- basisUnderlying support or principle
- periodicityRecurring at regular intervals
dislocation
Forced out of position
- vacancyUnoccupied space or position
- interstitialRelating to small gaps
- polycrystallineHaving many crystal grains
amorphous · domain · precipitate · inclusion
- chemistryatom, atoms, organic chemistry, molecule, chemistry
- Geology Diagramsrock cycle, plate tectonics, cross section, geologic map, rock strata
- Scientific Imagesmicroscopy, X-ray, MRI scan, CT scan, satellite image
- rock featurescliff, cliff face, rock face, crag, overhang
- crystallographydislocations, vacancies, interstitials, hexagonal, phasing
- mineralogycalcite, quartz, feldspar, mica, olivine
crystal structureliquid state
Matter flowing freely
melt · gaseous state · plasma · solution · liquid phase
crystal, structure, structured, crystals, crystallize, restructure, crystalline, unstructured, structuring