Typically, the atoms of metallic elements group themselves in sort of a crystalline lattice network whereby each atom shares electrons with other atoms of the same element. This is a relatively stable arrangement where the various nuclei are held in position by the forces of their neighboring nuclei. All metals share this charateristic but with a variety of crystalline configurations. Now, we will move into new territory. Phases of Matter.- Classical science teaches us that the three phases of matter are gasses, liquids, and solids.
Some solids crystallize into a lattice structure with metallic characteristics.
Microclusters.- Nuclear physicists recently discovered that the atoms of some elements exist in microclusters. These are tiny groups of between 2 and 100 atoms. If you have more than a specified number of atoms in a microcluster, these atoms will aggregate into a lattice structure with metallic properties. If you have fewer than that critical number of atoms, that microcluster will disaggregate into monatomic atoms with ceramic properties. Monataomic atoms are not held in position by the forces of their neighboring atoms as they are by atoms in a lattice structure.