Sulfur for example is allotropic as it can exist in several different forms;but Carbon, which is also an element,having two mineral names: Graphite and Diamond is cateogorised as being polymorphic.
2007-01-05 08:42:44 · 2 answers · asked by Gideon 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
I think it depends on the manner of by which it achieves different forms. i.e. pressure and heat change coal to diamond.
2007-01-05 09:22:08 · answer #1 · answered by beardedbarefooter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Wikipedia, carbon's existence as graphite, diamond, fullerene (buckyball), and more are given as a prime examples of allotropism, the ability of a chemical to exhibit a number of different and physically distinct forms in its pure elemental state.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allotropy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allotropes_of_carbon
Essentially synonyms, that's all.
2007-01-05 13:14:37 · answer #2 · answered by luka d 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋