mixed crystal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/Specialized)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “mixed crystal” mean?
A solid material composed of two or more substances whose atoms or molecules share a single crystal lattice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A solid material composed of two or more substances whose atoms or molecules share a single crystal lattice.
A single, homogeneous crystalline phase containing more than one chemical component, formed either by substitution of atoms in the lattice or by occupying interstitial sites. In a broader sense, it can metaphorically describe any hybrid system or entity composed of distinct, integrated elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms follows regional conventions (e.g., 'crystalline' vs. 'crystalline' is same; 'metallurgy' vs. 'metallurgy').
Connotations
None beyond the technical definition.
Frequency
Equally low and specialized in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “mixed crystal” in a Sentence
mixed crystal of [Substance A] and [Substance B]mixed crystal with [property]mixed crystal formed from [precursors]mixed crystal consisting of [components]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mixed crystal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two salts can be co-precipitated to mixed-crystal under these conditions.
- The compounds will mixed-crystal upon slow cooling.
American English
- The two salts can be co-precipitated to form a mixed crystal under these conditions.
- The compounds will form a mixed crystal upon slow cooling.
adverb
British English
- The components crystallised mixedly from the molten state.
- (Highly unusual; typically not used adverbially)
American English
- The components crystallized in a mixed fashion from the molten state.
- (Highly unusual; typically not used adverbially)
adjective
British English
- The mixed-crystal phase was analysed by XRD.
- They obtained a mixed-crystal material with novel properties.
American English
- The mixed crystal phase was analyzed by XRD.
- They obtained a mixed crystal material with novel properties.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Possible in highly technical R&D or materials procurement contexts.
Academic
Primary context. Used in research papers, textbooks, and lectures in chemistry, materials engineering, and earth sciences.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by a specialist explaining their work.
Technical
Core context. Precise term in crystallography, semiconductor fabrication, and mineralogy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mixed crystal”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mixed crystal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mixed crystal”
- Using 'mixed crystal' to describe a physical mixture of different pure crystals (e.g., salt and sugar grains).
- Confusing it with a 'doped crystal' where trace amounts of another substance are added.
- Assuming it is a common, everyday term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the context of metals, an alloy is a type of mixed crystal (specifically a solid solution). However, 'mixed crystal' is a broader term applying to any crystalline substance with multiple components in a single lattice, including ionic salts and semiconductors.
No, not by simple physical means like filtering. Because the components are integrated into a single atomic-scale lattice, separation requires chemical or electrochemical processes to break the crystal structure.
Doping typically refers to the intentional addition of very small (trace) amounts of an impurity to modify properties. A mixed crystal implies significant, often variable, proportions of two or more primary components forming the main structure.
Yes, they are classic examples. A ruby is a mixed crystal of aluminium oxide (corundum) with trace chromium ions substituting for some aluminium ions in the lattice, giving the red colour.
A solid material composed of two or more substances whose atoms or molecules share a single crystal lattice.
Mixed crystal is usually technical/scientific in register.
Mixed crystal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪkst ˈkrɪstəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪkst ˈkrɪstəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] A mixed crystal of traditions.”
- “[Metaphorical] Their team is a mixed crystal of experience and new ideas.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHRISTMAS (crystal) cake that is a MIX of fruits and nuts, but baked so perfectly that every slice contains the same blend, just like atoms in a mixed crystal lattice.
Conceptual Metaphor
A UNIFORM TEAM OF DIFFERENT PLAYERS (where individual players (atoms/molecules) of different types are organised into a single, cohesive structure (the lattice) with shared rules).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key characteristic that distinguishes a mixed crystal from a simple physical mixture of crystals?