Which compound looks like broken glass crystals?

Which compound looks like broken glass crystals?

• A. Sodium hexametaphosphate
• B. Sodium zinc phosphate
• C. Orthophosphate crystals
• D. Zinc orthophosphate crystals

Answer: (A)

Crystal appearance reflects the underlying structure of the compound. Sodium hexametaphosphate forms polymeric metaphosphate chains that crystallize as irregular, glassy fragments—sharp, jagged pieces that resemble broken glass when they precipitate. That glass-like, brittle look is characteristic of its long-chain metaphosphate structure. In contrast, orthophosphate crystals usually grow as regular, well-defined crystals, and zinc-containing phosphates tend to form standard crystals or sometimes amorphous deposits rather than glassy fragments. So the compound whose crystals look like broken glass is sodium hexametaphosphate.

Crystal appearance reflects the underlying structure of the compound. Sodium hexametaphosphate forms polymeric metaphosphate chains that crystallize as irregular, glassy fragments—sharp, jagged pieces that resemble broken glass when they precipitate. That glass-like, brittle look is characteristic of its long-chain metaphosphate structure. In contrast, orthophosphate crystals usually grow as regular, well-defined crystals, and zinc-containing phosphates tend to form standard crystals or sometimes amorphous deposits rather than glassy fragments. So the compound whose crystals look like broken glass is sodium hexametaphosphate.