They have the following characteristics:

They are close together Arranged in a regular pattern Are held together by strong forces called bonds Can vibrate in a fixed position Cannot move from place to place

The harder the material the more resistant it is to indentation.

Stiffness means that it is resistant to deformations even when the material is exposed to large forces. A stiffness of a material is measured through the modulus of elasticity.

Toughness means that the material absorbs the energy (usually through plastic deformation) from shock impact so that it does not break.

Brittle materials usually undergo little or no plastic deformation before breaking. They easily shatter/crack when exposed to forces.

If an object is strong, then it is able to withstand exposure to high amounts of pressure or forces before breaking. The strength of a force is usually defined by its breaking stress.

Stress = Force per unit cross-sectional area.

This means that the material can be shaped into thin sheets. Gold is very malleable. Will break when extended.

Means that the material can be drawn into wires.