Quasi-crystals

Quasi-crystals are unique materials that, unlike regular crystals, have an ordered structure but do not repeat periodically. This means their atoms are arranged in a pattern that is stable and symmetrical, yet never forms a repeating unit across the entire material. Discovered in 1982, they exhibit unusual properties such as appearing more like a solid with a complex, intricate pattern. Quasi-crystals challenge traditional notions of crystal symmetry and have potential applications in coatings, electronics, and catalysts because of their distinct atomic arrangements and unique physical characteristics.