CRYSTALS

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I. Introduction- What is a crystal? A crystal by definition is a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern. These magnificent solids are formed when they undergo a process called nucleation. Nucleation is the process that occurs in the formation of a crystal. The solution’s, liquid’s, or vapor’s (whichever the crystal is growing in) ions, atoms, or molecules become arranged in a pattern which has the characteristics of a crystalline solid. This pattern forms the site the additional particles left will be deposited into as the crystal grows. A crystal’s structure consists of matter that is formed from an ordered arrangement of atoms, molecules, or ions. The structure consists of repeated units giving the structure recognizable features. II. Lattice Systems and Chemical Properties Crystal Structures are divided into seven systems called lattices. A lattice is the arrangement of points of the atoms, ions, or molecules composing a crystal are centered at. The seven systems crystals are divided into consist of Cubic, Tetragonal, Orthorhombic, Hexagonal, Trigonal, Triclinic, and Monoclinic. The Cubic system is fairly basic. It consists of one lattice point on each corner of the cube, which each lattice point shared equally between eight adjacent cubes. The Tetragonal system is similar to the cubic crystals, but it is longer along one axis. Tetragonal crystal lattices form when stretching has occurred along one lattice vector. As a result, the cube is turned into a rectangular prism with a square base. The Orthorhombic system is like the Tetragonal crystals, but it does not have a square in the cross section. This lattice is formed when stretching has occurred along two lattice vectors, which fo... ... middle of paper ... ...les through diamonds. V. Everyday Uses of Crystals We may not realize it, but we encounter crystals on an everyday basis. Many of us look at the face of a clock multiple times a day. The glass covering the clock face is actually made out of crystals! Many of us also encounter LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) displays on an everyday basis as well. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) displays include cell phone screens, monitor screens, and hand- held gaming device screens. We don’t just use crystals on an everyday basis for entertainment, we can also consume them! Table salt (NaCL) is a crystalline compound as well as sucrose (table sugar), and even chewing gum! Crystals can even help maintain good hygiene. Crystals can be found in toothpaste! Crystals play a very important role in our life. They have helped our society evolve scientifically into what it is today.

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