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Small Molecule Crystals
Small molecular crystals, such as dry ice, ice, solid carbon dioxide and iodine have very small molecules in their crystal lattice (framework). The molecules or atoms adhere to each other by a weak electrical force. The molecules are separated by a lot of space, making them very lightweight. Ice has small molecules in its lattice with large gaps of air, allowing it to float. Small molecule crystals make excellent insulators, and as solids they remain soft. They often transform into a gaseous state because their molecular bond is too weak to sustain a solid body.
Giant Molecule Crystals
Some crystals contain giant molecules or atoms. They may have one to three dimensions. Giant molecule crystals have lengthy atom chains that link together side by side with weak forces of attraction. Asbestos represents the formation of a giant molecule. Graphite has giant molecules of carbon atoms, bonded together in flat hexagon-like plates, which form parallel to each other's surface. Diamonds, also composed of carbon atoms, consist of giant molecules arranged in three-dimensional patterns. Each diamond atom links with four nearby atoms, and these four atoms bond to sixteen as the structure multiplies exponentially. The gaps between the atoms fit perfectly, making a diamond extremely rigid -- the hardest mineral substance known.
Crystals with Ions
Salts have a crystal ion structure, and ions have electrically charged atoms. An atom consists of a nucleus (center) of protons that have a positive charge, along with zero-charged neutrons. Electrons, which have a negative charge, spin around the central core of protons and neutrons. Most atoms have neutral charges, being neither positive or negative. If a negative electron escapes the atom, it has an extra positive charge, which turns it into a positive ion. If it collects an electron, it becomes a negative ion. Crystals with ions attract unlike charges, like a chlorine ion that pulls in and bonds with a sodium ion.
Crystals with Electrically Neutral Atoms
Atoms form the structure of metal crystal lattices. Metal crystal atoms, which have electrically neutral charges, consist of spheres that have the same size and pack together tightly. Several round atoms form a base; additional atoms bond to the base from the top, and then another layer is added. The shapes form into a cube, and each atom has the exact spacing and bonding strength as all the others. Such atom arrangements have neutral characteristics, which are very typical of aluminum, silver, iron, gold and lead metals. Metals have high melting points and make good heat and electrical conductors.