It is important to note that these terms mark two extremes on a continuum. Most amorphous solids have some short-range order. At an atomic scale, it is difficult to distinguish between the two different types, even using advanced analytical techniques such as x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.
Amorphous solids include both natural and man-made materials. The most frequently cited example of an amorphous solid is glass. However, amorphous solids are common to all subsets of solids. Additional examples include thin film lubricants, metallic glasses, polymers, and gels. Samples of amorphous metallic glass are shown below.