The Structure of Solids

· Single Crystals for technical use may not have shapes that reflect their internal crystallographic symmetry. The lead- molybdate crystal opposite is for fabricating acousto-optical devices.

From: Cotterill, "The Cambridge Guide to the Material World," Cambridge (1985)

· Another example is single crystal gas turbine blades where the crystal is grown in the final shape of the blade.
· High value components may have their performance improved by controlling the size and orientation of their crystallites. The semiconductor industry is based on this ability.

From: Kear, "Advanced Metals," Scientific American 255 (1986) 159