An isodesmic crystal is a crystal in which all the bonds have the same electrostatic valency. This means that all the bonds are of the same strength. Diamonds and halite have isodesmic crystals. The opposite of an isodesmic crystal is an anisodesmic crystal, in which anions more strongly bonded to central coordinating cation. Graphite is an example of an isodesmic crystal.
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)