Formation of a crystal from a disordered phase. In a cooling white dwarf, crystallization of the ionic interior releases latent heat and can redistribute chemical species, affecting the relation between luminosity and white-dwarf cooling age.
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Crystallization is a process in which a solid forms, where the atoms or molecules are highly organized into a structured, repeating pattern known as a crystal lattice. This process can occur in various contexts, including in nature (such as the formation of minerals), in industrial applications (like the production of pharmaceuticals or food), and in laboratory settings.