 Solid solution

A solid solution is a solid phase whose composition can vary as components share one crystal structure. In a substitutional solid solution, atoms replace host atoms on lattice sites; interstitial solutions place smaller atoms between them.

This is distinct from a macroscopic mixture of separate solid phases. Composition-dependent lattice distortion can affect strength and transport, linking atomic placement with the properties of an alloy or mineral.

A solid solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more chemical species that occur in the solid state. In a solid solution, one or more solutes (the minor components) are incorporated into the crystal lattice of a solvent (the major component), resulting in a single solid phase. Solid solutions are common in metallurgy and minerals and are important in various fields such as materials science and geochemistry.