How do crystal lattices make solids strong?

A crystal lattice is a regular, repeating arrangement of atoms or ions in a solid. This orderly structure can make materials strong because bonds are distributed through a large network instead of isolated connections. Metals, ionic crystals, and covalent solids each have different lattice structures, which affects whether they bend, fracture, or conduct electricity. Defects in the lattice can weaken or sometimes strengthen a material depending on the situation. Crystal structure is a major reason that diamond is hard, salt is brittle, and metals can be shaped.