The Fascination of Crystals and Symmetry

Unit 1.3
by Frank Hoffmann & Michael Sartor
Crystals

 The term “crystal” derives from the Greek word

krystallos and means ice.

 Rock crystals – the second most common mineral of the

earth crust – were the first minerals to be called
“crystals”, because they were thought to be formed in
extreme cold.
Rock Crystal (Quartz, SiO2)

 Actually, they are formed in

great heat and under
pressure.

Amethyst Milky Quartz Rose Quartz

Crystals – Definition

 Definition: Crystals are homogeneous, anisotropic

solid-state bodies, which constituents (atoms, ions,
molecules…) are three-dimensional periodically
ordered.

 Solid-state bodies without such a 3D periodic

order of its constituents are called amorphous
(gels, glasses, wood, plastic….).

aggregate state solid – liquid – gaseous crystals have a

crystal structure

amorphous crystalline
Crystals – Anisotropy

 all crystals show anisotropy

 this means that certain chemical or physical properties are

different for different directions, they are directional

 anisotropic properties are, for instance

 hardness, cleavability
 elasticity, expansion properties
Crystals – Anisotropy

 all crystals show anisotropy

 this means that certain chemical or physical properties are

different for different directions, they are directional

electric conductivity
 anisotropic properties are, for instance
 hardness, cleavability
 elasticity, expansion properties
 electric / thermal conductivity
 electric polarizability, magnetization

graphite
Crystals – Anisotropy

 all crystals show anisotropy

 this means that certain chemical or physical properties are

different for different directions, they are directional

 anisotropic properties are, for instance

 hardness, cleavability
 elasticity, expansion properties
 electric / thermal conductivity
 electric polarizability, magnetization
Picture Credits

If not otherwise stated pictures, images, sketches, clip arts are

• self-taken/self-drawn or
• public domain

Werner Lang, Stuttgart, Germany | CC-BY-SA 3.0 Didier Descouens | CC-BY-SA 3.0 Wikipedia | Anton (rp) 2004 | CC-BY-SA 3.0