Giant Covalent Structure - GCSE Chemistry Definition

A giant covalent structure is a type of chemical structure where many atoms are joined together by strong covalent bonds to form a large, continuous network. These structures are found in substances such as diamond, graphite, and silicon dioxide (quartz), where the atoms are bonded in a repeating pattern throughout the material. Giant covalent structures have very high melting and boiling points because a lot of energy is needed to break the strong covalent bonds between the atoms. Most of them do not conduct electricity, but graphite is an exception because it has a special structure that allows electrons to move. These materials are often very hard and strong, like diamond, or slippery and useful as lubricants, like graphite.