US Scientist Recently Discovered Quasicrystals:
A US scientist recently discovered quasicrystals.
- The major difference between an ordinary crystal and a quasi-crystal is that the atomic patterns in quasi-crystals do not repeat themselves as that of an ordinary crystal.
- They are rare to occur naturally.
- However, can be created artificially.
- So far, we have discovered only two naturally occurring quasicrystals.
- The recently discovered is the third naturally occurring quasicrystal and was formed accidentally from an electric discharge.
- This would have happened due to lightning strikes or power line downing.
Quasicrystal:
- Quasicrystals are fascinating materials that possess a unique combination of properties.
- They are a testament to the beauty and power of irregularity in the natural world.
- The quasi-crystals are usually laboratory made.
- Quasi crystals require high pressure and temperature to form such patterns where the atomic structures do not repeat themselves.
- It is very rare to occur naturally.
- They are used in manufacturing non-stick frying pans, needles for acupuncture and surgery, dental instruments and razor blades.
- The discovery of quasicrystals was made by American-Israeli scientist Dan Shechtman in 1982 in the lab.
- Dan Shechtman received the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering quasicrystals.
