Crystals

Giant molecular crystals

(macromolecules)
Simple molecular crystals

Giant molecular crystals

They

are held together by

strong covalent bonds.

This

structure is found in
elements such as carbon, in
the form of diamond and
graphite, and in compounds
such as
SiO2 (silica).

Diamond

Diamonds are colourless sparkling

crystals used in jewellery.

Diamond is so hard because the strong

covalent bonds extend in all directions.

So it is used in drill bits, saws & glass

cutters.

Each carbon atom is attached to four

atoms (tetrahedral shape).

Density 3.51 g/cm3. It has very high

m.p.

Structure of diamond

Graphite

Carbon atoms are arranged in layers

with hexagonal shape (2d giant
molecules).

In a layer, one atom is bonded to 3

atoms.

Between layers there is weak attraction.

The layers can slide over each other

easily.

So it is slippery and used as lubricant.

Structure of graphite

Silicon dioxide (silica)

Its

giant structure is similar to

diamond.
It

is also very hard and has

high m.p.
Sand
The

and quartz are examples.

whole structure has strong

Structure of silica

Molecular crystals
Some

non-metals and covalent

compounds are solids with low
m.p.

Their

molecules are held by weak

forces which are easily broken
down by heat.

Then

the molecules are free to

move, but have no charge.