The chemistry of solid inorganic materials has become a central theme in research and in the teaching of chemistry. This primer provides coverage of the most salient points in an undergraduate course on solid materials. Topics include transition metal oxides, non-stoichiometry, zeolites, layer compounds chemistry, high temperature superconductors and fullerides. In addition the synthesis of these compound types is presented. As well as introducing and describing important solid state materials, the primer addresses the major experimental technique used to study and characterize the, powder x-ray diffraction. The basis for this method and associated, relevant crystallography is discussed; experimental data from this technique is used to illustrate topics throughout the primer.