A network solid or covalent network solid (also called atomic crystalline solids or giant covalent structures)[1][2] is a chemical compound (or element) in which the atoms are bonded by covalent bonds in a continuous network extending throughout the material.
Formulas for network solids, like those for ionic compounds, are simple ratios of the component atoms represented by a formula unit.
Graphite and the mica group of silicate minerals structurally consist of continuous two-dimensional sheets covalently bonded within the layer, with other bond types holding the layers together.
[3] Disordered network solids are termed glasses.
These are typically formed on rapid cooling of melts so that little time is left for atomic ordering to occur.