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Polymorphism is the ability of a substance with identical chemical formula to form difference types of crystals depending upon the method of cooling (temperature, stirring). Example is the appearance of fresh butter after melting and resolidifying. Generally, the crystals will be larger and, with less surface area, appears to be more oily. Another example is a chocolate Hersheys' bar. If it is allowed to melt and you resolidify it, generally you see a whitish like scale on the surface. That is because the cocoa butter is likely recrystallizing in a different from from the small crystals.

Updated: Saturday, December 29, 2007.