Many of the chemical elements exists in more than one alternative crystal structure: each such material is called a polymorph. There are alternative structures that can be possessed by a single chemical element.
Carbon is an example of a polymorph as it can exist as two materials, diamond and graphite. These differ in their crystalline structure and therefore in their physical appearance. The carbon atoms are bonded together in different ways in each of these polymorphs of carbon.
The compact crystal structure of diamond is the basis of most of its properties. Graphite on the other hand is used for lubricants or pencils.
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