What are the propertys of a crystal?

Answer 1

There are a number of ways to characterize a crystal. First is its chemistry. Is it an element that takes the form of a crystal, like carbon creates a diamond? Or is it a crystal of a compound like sodium chloride, which is table salt? We need to look at the structure of the crystal to see how the atoms or molecules "arrange" themselves to form the crystal. There is a basic pattern (one of 7 fundamental ones) somewhere and it repeats over and over to form the crystal. This is crystal structure, or lattice parameters. How does light react when it passes through the crystal? There are a number of optical properties we can consider, and just one is refractive index. What is the electron band structure of the crystal? How does it act when we apply a voltage across it or heat it? Does it conduct, and to what degree? There are other characteristics, but this should get you started in a big way. Use the link below for more information.