Crystal lattice

A crystal lattice is the organized, repeating arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a solid. Imagine a 3D grid or network where each point represents the position of an atom. This regular pattern extends uniformly in all directions, giving crystals their characteristic shapes and symmetry. The lattice structure determines many properties of the material, such as hardness, melting point, and how it interacts with light. Essentially, it’s the microscopic blueprint that defines the internal structure of crystalline substances like salt, diamond, or quartz.