kristallig

kristallig is a German adjective meaning crystalline or crystal-like. It describes something that possesses the characteristics of a crystal, such as a regular, ordered atomic or molecular structure, transparency, or a faceted appearance. In scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and mineralogy, kristallig is used to denote a solid material that has a long-range order of its constituent atoms, ions, or molecules arranged in a definite, repeating pattern. This orderly arrangement is what gives crystals their distinct geometric shapes and physical properties, such as hardness and cleavage.

The term can also be applied more broadly to describe substances or phenomena that exhibit a similar ordered or structured quality, even if they are not true crystals in the strict mineralogical sense. For example, a liquid could be described as kristallig if it exhibits some degree of molecular order, or a precipitate might be referred to as kristallig if it forms distinct, visible particles with a regular structure. In a more figurative sense, kristallig might be used to describe something that is very clear, pure, or perfectly formed, likening its quality to that of a flawless crystal. The visual appearance of ice, salt, or quartz are common examples of things that are recognizably kristallig.