allotropy

[ uh-lo-truh-pee ]

/ əˈlɒ trə pi /

a property of certain elements, as carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus, of existing in two or more distinct forms; allomorphism.

Origin of allotropy

First recorded in 1840–50; allo- + -tropy

Thus carbon occurs as the diamond, and as charcoal and plumbago, and is therefore regarded as a substance subject to allotropy.

The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 1 |Various
Allotropy has turned the eyes of many back to the remoter past.

Jewel Mysteries |Max Pemberton
This would be quite in accordance with the chemical notion of allotropy.

The Making of Species |Douglas Dewar
Before leaving this phase of inorganic chemistry, we may mention other historical examples of allotropy.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 |Various

And this hypothesis is entirely in harmony with the phenomena of allotropy.

Essays: Scientific, Political, & Speculative, Vol. I |Herbert Spencer

allotropy

/ (əˈlɒtrəpɪ) /

the existence of an element in two or more physical forms. The most common elements having this property are carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus

allotropic (ˌæləˈtrɒpɪk), adjective allotropically, adverb