Crystallographic Analysis

Term: Crystallographic AnalysisDefinition: A technique used to determine the arrangement of atoms in crystalline solids, often employed to identify and characterize asbestos fibers.Phonetic Pronunciation: (KRIS-tal-OG-ruh-fik uh-NAL-uh-sis)Origin: The term "crystallographic" derives from the Greek words "krystallos," meaning "ice" or "clear," and "graphia," meaning "writing" or "description." It was coined to describe the scientific study of crystals and their structures, which has been crucial in material science and mineralogy since the 19th century.Significance in Asbestos Context: Crystallographic analysis is vital in asbestos litigation because it allows experts to precisely identify the type and structure of asbestos fibers present in materials or tissues. This identification can be crucial in establishing the presence of asbestos and linking it to specific diseases or exposure scenarios.Example Sentence: The expert witness used crystallographic analysis to confirm the presence of chrysotile asbestos in the lung tissue samples from the plaintiff.Related Terms: X-ray Diffraction, Electron Microscopy, Asbestos Identification, Mineralogy, Fiber AnalysisNotes: - Crystallographic analysis is not limited to asbestos but is used in the broader study of crystalline materials. - It is often combined with other analytical techniques for comprehensive asbestos identification. - The accuracy of crystallographic analysis in asbestos cases can be pivotal in determining legal outcomes.