Alpha or Grey Tin [ Sn ]| Tin exists in this form at low temperatures, below 13.2°C. It has a cubic crystal structure similar to silicon and germanium. |
Beta or White Tin [ Sn ]| Tin exists in this form when heated above 13.2°C. It is metallic and has a tetragonal structure. |
| It slowly changes back to the gray form when cooled, which is called the "tin pest" or "tin disease". However, this transformation is affected by impurities such as aluminium and zinc and can be prevented from occurring through the addition of antimony or bismuth. |
See Also