Single crystal X-ray diffraction was applied in order to investigate defect
-induced microstructures in radiation damaged zircon. The formation of doma
ins with different degrees of order was observed and in particular, it was
possible to distinguish two types of defects: isolated lattice defects and
dislocations. These lattice deformations have a great influence on the stru
ctural and physical properties of the materials. (C) 1999 Kluwer Academic P
ublishers.