seed crystals
Crystallization initiation points
Seed crystals are small crystals introduced into a supersaturated solution to initiate controlled crystallization.
The seed provides a template—molecules in the solution align with its structure and build upon it, producing larger crystals of predictable form.
The technique is essential in growing synthetic gemstones, producing pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing silicon wafers for electronics.
Exceeding dissolution equilibrium limits
- nucleiCentral parts of atoms
- precipitationAtmospheric water deposit
- saturationState of complete permeation
- metastableStable but not permanently
induction · crystallizer · solubility · solute · solvent · concentration · diffusion · agitation
Openwork of crossed strips
- symmetryInvariance under transformation
- facetPlane on cut stone
- morphologyStudy of structural forms
- periodicityRecurring at regular intervals
monocrystalline · polycrystalline · hexagonal · cubic · anisotropy · bonding · microstructure · habit
State of being understandable
- flawlessEntirely without fault
- pristinePure and untouched
- unblemishedFree from any defect
- transparencyState of being see-through
refinement · inclusions · homogeneity · contamination · impurity · dopant · zone refining · recrystallization
Increase in size
- maturationProcess of becoming complete
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- propagationAct of spreading widely
- amplificationIncrease in intensity
multiplication · expansion · progression · Ostwald ripening · layering · dendritic · prismatic · tabular
supersaturation
Exceeding dissolution equilibrium limits
- nucleiCentral parts of atoms
- precipitationAtmospheric water deposit
- saturationState of complete permeation
metastable · induction · crystallizer · solubility · solute · solvent · concentration · diffusion · agitation · kinetics
lattice
Openwork of crossed strips
- symmetryInvariance under transformation
- facetPlane on cut stone
- morphologyStudy of structural forms
periodicity · monocrystalline · polycrystalline · hexagonal · cubic · anisotropy · bonding · microstructure · habit · twinning
clarity
State of being understandable
- flawlessEntirely without fault
- pristinePure and untouched
- unblemishedFree from any defect
transparency · refinement · inclusions · homogeneity · contamination · impurity · dopant · zone refining · recrystallization · purification
enlargement
Increase in size
- maturationProcess of becoming complete
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- propagationAct of spreading widely
amplification · multiplication · expansion · progression · Ostwald ripening · layering · dendritic · prismatic · tabular · acicular