What is a covalent crystal, Science

Assignment Help:

What is a covalent crystal?

A covalent crystal is one in which the lattice structure is held together by powerful covalent bonds. These crystals tend not to be soluble in water and have a much higher bond strength than ionic crystals. For example, silica, SiO2, does not dissolve in water and has a high melting point. Silica is what glass is made out of. Imagine trying to make a glass out of salt crystals; it would dissolve before you could drink a glass of water out of it! Solubility is a major difference between covalent and ionic crystals.

Diamonds are a great example of how strong the bonds in a covalent crystal can be. The lattice structure of diamonds produces the hardest known substance in the universe.

To complicate things, the vast majority of complex minerals are a combination of ionic and covalent bonds. These crystals will not be discussed in depth in this lesson, but it is important to know that this third category exists, and it is the largest category of minerals and crystals. If you observe the complex formulas of many minerals, like muscovite, which is KAl3Si3O10(OH)2, you will see that it is not so cut and dry what type of bond is holding these atoms together. Is this a covalent or ionic mineral? The answer is: it is both.


Related Discussions:- What is a covalent crystal

Physiology, Monosaccharides and amino acids are absorbed into the blood in ...

Monosaccharides and amino acids are absorbed into the blood in the intestinal capillaries. Is it true or False?

Botanty, I can''t identify which tree this is

I can''t identify which tree this is

Explain amino acids, Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. All ...

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. All proteins consist of a sequence of amino acids,  which  are compounds containing  an  amino group  (-BIB)  and  a carhoxyl  gro

Explain what is deamination reaction, Explain what is Deamination Reaction ...

Explain what is Deamination Reaction ? Deamination is a process by which N of amino acid is removed as ammonia (NH3). These reactions occur primarily in liver and kidney. The

Psychological and sociological theory, This assignment relates to working w...

This assignment relates to working with an individual in a social care setting to plan, carry out and evaluate an activity which promotes the development of the individual. The can

Stereotypes and prejudicial stereotypes, What are the differences between s...

What are the differences between stereotypes and prejudicial stereotypes? a) Stereotypes:- The perceived beliefs one forms of another person or group; however an opinion is

Explain riboflavin (vitamin b2), Riboflavin (vitamin B2) Riboflavin was...

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) Riboflavin was isolated in  a crystalline form from milk by Kuhn  and co-workers in 1933.  Because of this,  the  early  name  of  the  vitamin  was  la

Lasers in nonionising radiations, Lasers : Laser light is an extremely int...

Lasers : Laser light is an extremely intense form of electromagentic radiation and its name is acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Lasers are us

Specific gravity of a liquid not mixing with water, Specific gravity of a l...

Specific gravity of a liquid not mixing with water Pour oil into an open glass tube partially immersed in water until it forces water as far as the lower end. The relative leng

Stomach, Describe the structure of the stomach. How is it modified to carry...

Describe the structure of the stomach. How is it modified to carry out its functions? How does It compare to that of the fetal pig?

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd