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

Spontaneous generation, Spontaneous Generation: If  we look around at o...

Spontaneous Generation: If  we look around at our everyday environment, we observe that straw, soil, mud, dirt, indeed any sort of refuse or rotting matter  is infested with  a

Hazards in the laboratory, HAZARDS IN THE LABORATORY : Laboratories in...

HAZARDS IN THE LABORATORY : Laboratories in the biology department of schools, colleges and universities and other higher level organisation such as hospitals, veterinary esta

Explain the obstetric or maternal morbidity, Explain the Obstetric or Mater...

Explain the Obstetric or Maternal Morbidity Obstetric/maternal morbidity, which covers morbidity in a woman who is, or has been, pregnant from any cause related to or aggravate

Explain intermittent positive pressure lung inflation, Explain Intermittent...

Explain Intermittent positive pressure lung inflation When medulla is affected, the cough reflex may be lost. To prevent secretions entering the lungs, a tube is inserted into

How are atoms put together-structure of atoms , Structure of Atoms Eleme...

Structure of Atoms Elements are pure substances. Elements are composed of a single kind of atom, as opposed to compounds which contain two or more kinds of atoms (see lesson 5).

Aluminum, What are some properties that the element contain.

What are some properties that the element contain.

What is amino acids metabolism, What is amino acids metabolism ? Nitro...

What is amino acids metabolism ? Nitrogen enters the body through a variety of compounds present in the food, the most important being amino acids present in dietary proteins.

Experiment of The buoyancy of water, The buoyancy of water Find a metal...

The buoyancy of water Find a metal can like a coffee can or a cigarette tin which has a tightly fitting cover. With the cover on, push the can into a pail of water, cover end d

CNIDARIANS OBELIA, OBELIA IS CONSIDERED TO BE OF SPECIAL INTEREST IN ZOOLO...

OBELIA IS CONSIDERED TO BE OF SPECIAL INTEREST IN ZOOLOGY AND AS AN ANIMAL SHOWING AN INTERMEDIATE GRADE OF ORGANISATION

Food web, Food Web: Within an ecosystem,  there are many different food...

Food Web: Within an ecosystem,  there are many different food chains. Some organisms may be involved in several of the food chains at the same time. So a number of food chains

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