Difference between amorphous and crystalline solid

Crystalline Solids

Amorphous Solids

Crystalline solids possess a definite and regular geometry and consist of both long-range as well as short-range order of its constituent particles.

The particles of the constituents in the amorphous solids are arranged irregularly. They do not possess any kind of definite geometry and have a shorter range order.

Crystalline solids tend to have high and distinct melting points.

Amorphous solids do not have sharp melting points.

The external forms of the crystals tend to have regularity when they are formed.

Amorphous solids do not have an external regularity when they are formed.

Crystals tend to give a clean surface when they are cut with a knife.

The amorphous solids usually exhibit irregular cut-edges.

They possess a definite heat of fusion.

Amorphous solids do not have any specific heat of fusion.

The mild distorting forces cannot deform the crystalline solids since they are very rigid in nature.

Amorphous solids, on the other hand, do not possess any rigidity. The deformation could be achieved even by bending or compressing them.

Crystalline solids are known to be the true solids.

Amorphous solids are known to be supercooled liquids or pseudo solids.

Crystalline solids tend to show anisotropism.

Amorphous solids tend to show isotropism.