Recent research by physicist Noushine Shahidzadeh from the University of Amsterdam has challenged traditional perceptions of crystals, showing that some can be soft and pliable rather than the rigid structures typically associated with crystalline materials like ice, salt, and quartz. Published in Nature Communications, the study focuses on hydrated salts, which contain water in their crystalline structure. Unlike standard crystals that maintain their hard, faceted shapes while dissolving, these hydrated salts become soft and deformable when exposed to humid air, losing their distinctive facets. This behavior is attributed to the unique properties of these microcrystals, which remain crystalline internally but exhibit liquid-like molecular mobility on their surfaces. The study highlights a new understanding of the physical properties of hydrated salts, diverging from conventional crystal behavior. Its significance has been recognized, as it was chosen for the Editors’ Highlights on the journal’s website, showcasing it among the top recent research in materials science and chemistry. The findings could have implications for various fields, including materials science and chemistry, emphasizing the complex nature of crystalline structures.
