Crystallography

Crystallography is a branch of science that studies the arrangement of atoms in crystalline solids. The word crystallography derives from the Greek words "krystallos," meaning clear ice, and "grapho," meaning to write.

Introduction

Crystallography is a field of study that involves determining the arrangement and bonding of atoms in crystalline materials and the geometric structure of crystal lattices. It is a crucial aspect of materials science, chemistry, and mineralogy.

History

The study of crystals began with the work of the ancient Greeks. The term "crystallography" itself comes from the Greek words for "cold drop, frozen drop," with its meaning extending to all solids with some degree of transparency, and "to write."

Principles of Crystallography

Crystallography is based on the principles of X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, and electron diffraction. These techniques allow scientists to study the structure of a crystal, including the arrangement of its atoms, its chemical bonds, and its overall crystal structure.

Applications

Crystallography has many applications in various fields. In chemistry, it is used to determine the structure of complex molecules. In materials science, it is used to understand the properties of materials. In geology, it is used to identify minerals and understand their structures.

See Also

• X-ray crystallography
• Protein crystallography
• Single crystal
• Crystal structure
• Crystal lattice

References

Crystallography Resources
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