Definition
Crystal defects can be most simply defined as distortions of the periodic arrangement of atoms in a “perfect” crystalline lattice. Above absolute zero temperature, defects are present in all crystals at certain concentrations. An increase in temperature increases the number of defects significantly. Depending on their dimensions, defects can be classified into point defects, line defects, planar defects, and bulk defects. Defects can be introduced in minerals through various means, such as self-radiation. Radiation-induced defects in minerals have been observed long before the discovery of radioactivity. Berzelius observed thermo-luminescence in gadolinite ((Y,Ce)2Fe2+Be2O2(SiO4)2) caused by α-decay of uranium and thorium trace elements (Berzelius, 1815). Unaware of the underlying processes, Baumhauer etched fission-fragment tracks in apatite as early as the nineteenth century (Baumhauer, 1894).
Classification of Defects
- 1.
Point (zero-dimensional) defects...
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References
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Schwartz, K., Lang, M. (2016). Mineral Defects. In: White, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Geochemistry. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39193-9_33-1
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