Crystalline Collection (#12)

Superconductor. Molecular model of the crystal structure of magnesium diboride (MgB2), a new super-conductor. Red spheres represent magnesium atoms and purple represent boron atoms

Metal surface at the quantum level. This depiction of a metal surface is obtained by applying the Helium-3 spin-echo technique

Bismuth crystal. Bismuth is a heavy, brittle, crystalline metal. This rectangular crystal structure only forms when bismuth is slowly cooled in the laboratory, never in nature

Ice, molecular model
Ice. Molecular model showing the hexagonal structure of ice. Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: hydrogen (white) and oxygen (red)

Penicillin crystals, light micrograph
Penicillin crystals. Polarised light micrograph of crystals of the antibiotic drug penicillin. Penicillin was the first antibiotic to be discovered

Bronchodilator drug crystals, SEM
Bronchodilator drug crystals, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). These are crystals of the drug ventolin (salbutamol sulphate), a bronchodilator drug used to treat asthma

Sea salt, SEM
Sea salt. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of sea salt, showing its crystalline structure. Sea salt consists mainly of sodium chloride (NaCl), but unlike pure table salt

Artificial sweetener crystals, SEM
Artificial sweetener crystals. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a freeze-fracture through an artificial sweetener tablet, showing its crystalline structure

Sugar cube crystals, SEM
Sugar cube crystals. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a freeze-fracture through a sugar cube. The fracture plane shows the sucrose crystals that make up the sugar cube

Silver nitrate crystals, LM
Silver nitrate crystals. Polarised light micrograph (LM) of silver nitrate (AgNO3) crystals. Silver nitrate is used in photography and as a test for chloride, bromide and iodide ions

Lead oxide crystals on lead, SEM
Lead oxide crystals, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Lead is a heavy, soft, ductile metal that, under normal conditions, does not react with water

Gold-copper alloy crystal
Gold-copper alloy, molecular model. Gold atoms are gold, copper atoms are red. The crystal lattice of this alloy has a face centred cubic (FCC) structure

Magnesium chloride crystals, LM
Magnesium chloride. Polarised light micrograph (LM) of crystals of magnesium chloride (MgCl2). Typically, magnesium chloride forms complexes with other molecules; the hygroscopic hexahydrate

Phenol crystals on a watchglass. Phenol (C6H5OH), an aromatic alcohol, is a crystalline solid. It dissolves in water, forming a weakly acid solution, carbolic acid. Phenol is corrosive and poisonous

Hexagonal boron nitride crystal
Boron nitride crystal structure, molecular model. Boron atoms are green, nitrogen atoms are blue. Boron nitride is a compound that shares many properties with elemental carbon

Tridymite crystal structure, molecular model. Tridymite is a form of quartz (silicon dioxide) that forms at high temperatures

Graphite crystal. Computer model of the molecular structure of a graphite crystal. Graphite is used in pencil leads and as a lubricant

Magnesium sulphate crystals, LM
Magnesium sulphate. Polarised light micrograph of crystals of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), a chemical used medicinally and in the textile industry

Zeolite crystals, light micrograph
Zeolite crystals. Polarised light micrograph of crystals of zeolite from the Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland. Zeolites are hydrated aluminosilicate minerals and have a micro-porous structure

Virus particles, conceptual artwork
Virus particles, conceptual computer artwork. Viruses contain a core of genetic material, either DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid) surrounded by a protein coat, or capsid

Belgian Grotto 3
Stalagmites and crystalline tubes at Engihoul

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"Captivating Crystalline Beauty: A Glimpse into the Intricate World of Minerals and Molecules" Delicate copper and magnesium sulphate crystals under a powerful light microscope (LM) reveal their mesmerizing structure. Caffeine crystals, captured in a stunning light micrograph, showcase the intricate patterns formed by this stimulating compound. The perovskite crystal structure unveils its remarkable symmetry, creating an enchanting visual spectacle. A computer artwork depicts the brilliance of a diamond's crystalline lattice, reflecting its timeless allure. Cortisol crystals, magnified through a light micrograph (LM), exhibit their unique formation within our body's natural stress hormone. Vibrant copper sulphate crystals come to life when observed under a high-resolution light microscope (LM), revealing their captivating hues and shapes. The beach of Capo Coda Cavallo in Sardinia, Italy offers breathtaking views where nature's crystalline beauty meets pristine shores - truly an idyllic escape in Europe. Another glimpse into caffeine's microscopic world showcases its delicate crystal formations through an exquisite light micrograph. An artistic representation reveals the intricate patterns found within graphene sheets - highlighting both scientific marvels and aesthetic wonders. Baking soda crystals take on extraordinary shapes when examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), unveiling hidden textures that captivate the eye. Copper sulphate crystals shimmer with elegance as they are unveiled through the lens of a high-resolution light microscope (LM). A fly delicately perched on sugar granules is brought to life through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showcasing how even everyday substances can possess unexpected beauty. In this collection of images and descriptions lies proof that there is unparalleled beauty hidden within every corner of our world – from minerals to molecules – reminding us to appreciate nature's artistry at both macroscopic and microscopic levels.