When magnetism can stabilize the crystal structure of metals

The crystal structure of some metals is caused by magnetism, meaning spin polarization dictates atomic geometry. We show that the determining factors for magnetic stabilization of metallic crystal structures is the proximity of the border between superconducting and magnetic valence electron behavior and the energy difference between competing crystals. Recently, a high-pressure monoclinic Cm phase was found, which is stabilized by magnetism. We put these results into a broader context, showing how magnetic stabilization of metals occurs throughout the periodic table. (c) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.