  We show that the emerging field of discrete differential geometry can be
usefully brought to bear on crystallization problems. In particular, we give a
simplified proof of the Heitmann-Radin crystallization theorem (R. C. Heitmann,
C. Radin, J. Stat. Phys. 22, 281-287, 1980), which concerns a system of $N$
identical atoms in two dimensions interacting via the idealized pair potential
$V(r)=+\infty$ if $r<1$, $-1$ if $r=1$, $0$ if $r>1$. This is done by endowing
the bond graph of a general particle configuration with a suitable notion of
{\it discrete curvature}, and appealing to a {\it discrete Gauss-Bonnet
theorem} (O. Knill, Elem. Math. 67, 1-17, 2012) which, as its continuous
cousins, relates the sum/integral of the curvature to topological invariants.
This leads to an exact geometric decomposition of the Heitmann-Radin energy
into (i) a combinatorial bulk term, (ii) a combinatorial perimeter, (iii) a
multiple of the Euler characteristic, and (iv) a natural topological energy
contribution due to defects. An analogous exact geometric decomposition is also
established for soft potentials such as the Lennard-Jones potential
$V(r)=r^{-6}-2r^{-12}$, where two additional contributions arise, (v) elastic
energy and (vi) energy due to non-bonded interactions.
