Atomic Solids

Example of a piece of Solid Argon completely held together by atomic bonds. Source

Atomic Solids are structures consisting of individual atoms which are held together by London Dispersion Forces.

London Dispersion Forces are temporary dipoles created by the uneven distribution of electrons across the atom (as shown in the diagram above). As atoms get larger, they need more electrons to remain electrically neutral and therefore this effect becomes stronger. This will sometimes allow the formation of atomic solids based completely on this principle (as with argon above). Source

They tend to have very low melting points because of the weak LDF forces as opposed to Covalent Network Solids which are some of the strongest compounds on earth. Atomic bonds are usually found in combination with metallic bonds and help to reinforce the structures of metals and crystals.