Types

of Crystalline Solids
There are four main types of crystalline solids: ionic, covalent network, metallic and molecular. They
are distinguished from each other based on what atoms or molecules they are made of, and how those atoms
or molecules are bonded to each other.

Ionic Crystals

The repeating pattern in the structure of ionic crystals is made up of
alternating positively charged cations with negatively charged anions. These ions
can be atoms or molecules. Ionic crystals are usually brittle, with high melting
points. As solids, they do not conduct electricity, but they can conduct electricity
as liquids. They can be made up of either atoms or molecules, as long as they are
charged. A common example of an ionic solid would be sodium chloride (NaCl),
known as table salt.

Covalent Network Crystals

Covalent network crystals, sometimes simply called network crystals, are
held together by covalent bonds between their constituent atoms. (Note that
covalent network crystals are atomic solids, meaning they cannot be made out of
molecules.) They are very hard solids, have high melting points and do not
conduct electricity well. Common examples of covalent network solids are
diamond and quartz.

Metallic Crystals
Metallic crystals are also atomic solids, made of metal atoms held
together by metallic bonds. These metallic bonds are what give metals their
malleability and ductility, as they allow the metal atoms to roll and slide past
each other without breaking the material. The metallic bonds also allow
valence electrons to move freely throughout the metal in an "electron sea,"
which makes them great conductors of electricity. Their hardness and melting
points vary widely.

Molecular Solids

Molecular crystals are made up of bonded molecules, unlike metallic and
network crystals, which are made up of bonded atoms. Molecular bonds are
relatively weak compared to atomic bonds and can be caused by a variety of
intermolecular forces including dispersion forces and dipole-dipole forces.

Carl Vince Gonzales Ms. Arlene Cerdeño MINI TASK IN

Student, Grade 12, St. Alypius General Chemistry Teacher GENERAL CHEMISTRY