Abstract

<h2>Acta Crystallographica Section A</h2><h3>Crystal Physics, Diffraction, Theoretical and General Crystallography</h3><h3>0567-7394</h3> <h2>book reviews</h2> Volume 33 Part 3 Page 525 May 1977 <h2> Kristalle by J. Bohm</h2> C. J. Brown Kristalle. By J. BOHM. Pp. 166, Figs. 143-t-9 colour photographs. Berlin: VEB Deutscher Verlag der Wissenschaften, 1975. Price (cloth) DM 20. This delightful little volume deals in an introductory fashion with almost all known aspects of crystals. It is written in a popular easy-to-read style yet there seem to be no scientific short-comings whatsoever. It begins with the crystalline state as the normal form of solid matter, and leads on through the concept of crystal lattices, unit cells and the law of constancy of angle, to the principles of diffraction of X-rays by crystals. The second chapter deals with the electronic structure of atoms and types of bonding which are well illustrated by diagrams of simple crystal structures. Then follows an outline of symmetry elements together with descriptions of crystal classes and space groups. Next comes a section on crystal growth with mention of natural and synthetic gem stones, semiconductor and laser crystals with descriptions of industrial techniques for producing and zone-refining single crystals. The final chapter deals with ice