X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a technique used to determine the crystallographic structure of minerals and other crystalline materials by measuring the angles and intensities of diffracted X-rays. XRD is significant in mineralogy and materials science for identifying minerals, analyzing crystal structures, and studying phase transitions in materials.
Reference: Cullity, B. D., & Stock, S. R. (2001). “Elements of X-ray Diffraction.” Prentice Hall.