Summary. --With the aid of the Sanderson model for nonmolecular structure a qualitative criterion is derived for forecasting off-centre configurations of monovalent impurity ions (Li + , F-, CI-, Na § , Ag § , Cu + ) in alkali halide crystals. The same criterion is checked for Mn z+ impurity ions in some oxides. We also present a critical review of the criteria introduced in the past, as well as of the experimental results up to now known in the literature.PACS 61.70 -Defects in crystals.