Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

X-ray Powder Diffraction in Conservation Science: Towards Routine Crystal Structure Determination of Corrosion Products on Heritage Art Objects
Published on: June 8, 2016
On the structural relations of malachite. II. The brochantite MDO polytypes
Frank Girgsdies1, Malte Behrens
1Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, Berlin D-14195, Germany. girgsdie@fhi-berlin.mpg.de
Abstract:
The structural relation between malachite and the brochantite MDO (maximum degree of order) polytypes is discussed. It is demonstrated that the same building blocks which form the basis of brochantite polytypism also occur in malachite. The different arrangements of these building blocks in the two mineral structures are rationalized as a result of the different coordination geometries required by the respective non-metal atoms acting as linkers. The compound stoichiometries are discussed in light of a common structured formula scheme, in which pairs of H atoms can play a similar role as single non-H atoms. An overview on the occurrence of malachite-like building blocks in several other crystal structures is given.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Structural Isomerism
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can be...
Ionic Crystal Structures
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...
Prochirality
Coordination Number and Geometry
Metallic Solids
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability. Many...
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...

