Crystallochemical

/ˌkrɪstəloʊˈkɛmɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the chemical properties and composition of crystals, particularly how atoms and molecules arrange within crystal structures.

Etymology

From crystal + chemical (from alchemy via Arabic). A modern scientific term combining mineralogy with chemistry to study crystal structure and composition.

Kelly Says

Crystallochemical analysis revealed that rubies and sapphires are the same mineral (corundum), just with different trace metals trapped in the crystal structure—that tiny difference makes them precious!

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