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:
“While that the sun with his beams hot
Scorched the fruits in vale and mountain,
Philon the shepherd, late forgot,
Sitting beside a crystal fountain,”
—Unknown. The Unfaithful Shepherdess (l. 1–4)