Crystal

Crystal

A crystal or crystalline solid is a solid material whose constituent atoms, molecules, or ions are arranged in an ordered pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions. In addition to their microscopic structure, large crystals are usually identifiable by their macroscopic geometrical shape, consisting of flat faces with specific, characteristic orientations.

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Famous quotes containing the word crystal:

    Opinionated writing is always the most difficult ... simply because it involves retaining in the cold morning-after crystal of the printed word the burning flow of molten feeling.
    Gavin Lyall (b. 1932)

    We have ... a thirst unquenchable, to allay which he has not shown us the crystal springs. This thirst belongs to the immortality of Man.... It is no mere appreciation of the Beauty before us—but a wild effort to reach the Beauty above.
    Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)

    Shall we gather at the river,
    Where bright angel feet have trod;
    With its crystal tide for ever,
    Flowing by the throne of God?
    Robert Lowry (1826–1899)