Quasicrystals Explained: From Forbidden Symmetry to Practical Uses

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle uncovers the fascinating story of quasicrystals, once thought impossible, now proven to exist both in the lab and in meteorites from space. Listeners will learn how quasicrystals challenged centuries of crystallography, the math that explains their strange patterns, and the surprising ways they’re used today, from non‑stick coatings to futuristic photonics.

Three Things You’ll Learn

Why quasicrystals broke the old definition of crystals and forced scientists to rewrite the rules. How Penrose tilings and higher‑dimensional geometry reveal the math behind quasiperiodic order. Where quasicrystals are used today in technology, industry, and even planetary science.

Resources & Links

Dan Shechtman’s Nobel Lecture: Nobel Prize 2011 in Chemistry Paul J. Steinhardt, The Second Kind of Impossible (2019) Marjorie Senechal, Quasicrystals and Geometry (1995) Luca Bindi et al., “Natural Quasicrystals,” Science (2009): https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1170827

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🎵 Audio Editor: Podcast mixed by David Aviles
Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved.
Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers Pulses by P Richmond from Pixabay

Marimba Ambient Music by Mircea Iancu from Pixabay

A choir of fairies by Music by Alban_Gogh from Pixabay

Chocolate Galaxy Waltz Music by aidanpinsent from Pixabay

Alien Atmosphere Music by Musinova from Pixabay

 SFX:

Metallic scrape Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay

Shine1 Sound Effect by Benjamin Adams from Pixabay

Sparkle Sound Effect by Koi Roylers from Pixabay

Metal Shop Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

 

Until next time, carpe diem!