Germanium volume dependence

The most unusual and prominent property of water is the temperature dependence of the density between 0 and 4°C. The fact that ice contracts upon melting, though a rare phenomenon, is not a unique property of water. Other solids with similar open structures, such as germanium, also contract upon melting. The outstanding property of water is the continual increase in density upon increase of temperature between 0 and 4°C. Relevant experimental data are presented in Fig. 6.4. Note that the relative decrease in volume is quite small compared with the molar volume at these temperatures. It is also worthwhile noting that this anomalous phenomenon of water disappears at high pressures, and the temperature dependence of the volume becomes normal. ... 

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