Crystalline solid at room temperature because they act as magnets attracted and holding each other together. High melting points (Ex. NaCl: 801ºC), Crystals (ionic compounds) have a very high melting point due to the ions strongly attracting and holding in place. Tends to be soluble in water. Tends to be brittle. Do not conduct heat or electricity in solid, liquid, or aqueous state (pseudo noble gasses: full electron rings, with no valence electrons, and a fixed, rigid position)