How does an ionic lattice structure end?

Question

Since an ion is surrounded by many others to hold it together and vice versa, how does it end? in a sphere.. square or what?
Which force is dominant to end the structure?

Could you answer more in detail please?I didn't understand hoe the ionic forces are overcome...

Answer 1

At a microscopic level, the edges of crystals must be very jagged, and all the unit cells must effectively be broken, but they won't all be broken in the same plane. There will be an inward-pulling attractive force from the rest of the oppositely-charged ions in the lattice however the crystal actually "ends".