We report classical molecular dynamics simulations of clusters of up t
o 3120 atoms of lanthanum trifluoride. The results are analysed to sho
w the extent to which such small clusters can also be described by sim
ple continuum methods. The oscillations in the shape of the solid nano
clusters agree very well in frequency and magnitude with those deduced
from classical elasticity theory. The liquid-drop oscillations which
are seen in the molecular dynamics simulations show that the simulatio
ns reproduce the surface tension behaviour of ionic systems.