Many of the usual methods are useful for determining physical and structural properties of Zintl phases. Some Zintl phases can be decomposed into a Zintl ion—the polyanion that composes the anionic substructure of the phase—and counter ion, which can be studied as described below. The heat of formation of these phases can be evaluated. Often their magnitude is comparable to those of salt formation, providing evidence for the ionic character of these phases. Density measurements indicate a contraction of the product compared to reactants, similarly indicating ionic bonding within the phase. X-ray spectroscopy gives additional information about the oxidation state of the elements, and correspondingly the nature of their bonding. Conductivity and magnetization measurements can also be taken. Finally, the structure of a Zintl phase or ion is most reliably confirmed via X-ray crystallography.