This book compiles reviews of both fundamental and applied research in physics and materials science, focusing on the existence, formation mechanisms, and artificial synthesis of versatile, nature-inspired crystals. It aims to highlight the development and application of advanced crystals with novel polymorphism and microtextures, resulting in the innovation of completely new and unexpected functionality. The book encompasses five main topics; the first three focus on fundamental research in mineralogy in the areas of polymorphism and microtexture in biological environments, crystallographic structure, and nucleation and growth. The last two parts address applied research devoted to microtexture and polymorphism in electronics and photonics applications.

The featured topics comprise contributions from international groups of active researchers in the field. The book is a valuable tool for a wide readership ranging from graduate students to researchers and engineers. The broad coverage of topics is attractive to readers from diverse fields including crystal engineering, drug development, electronic materials, electronic devices, and mineralogy.