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Crystals and Crystal Growing
This clearly illustrated explanation of the basic principles of crystals may be used as a text or supplementary sourcebook by high-school students (for which it was originally written), students at the junior college or undergraduate level, or the general reader with an interest in science.
350 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1960
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 16, 2010
Until A.P. Chemistry in high school I still wanted to become some sort of scientist. The political outrage consequent upon the U.S. invasion of the Dominican Republic in 1965 and my changing views about S.E. Asia hadn't yet constituted themselves into an ethical conviction that changing foreign policy took priority over everything else. But things were headed that way and Mr. Greene's Chem class pretty much closed the door on further science classes until fulfilling the requirement later on in college.
Greene was a short, squat man, probably in his thirties, probably even a neighbor as I'd see him walking down Belle Plaine, our street, occasionally. He always wore a rumpled white shirt, tie and dark slacks. His hobbies were glass-blowing, which he'd do during our lab sessions, and watching Star Trek episodes, the contents of which he'd relate to us regularly. On his implied recommendation, I watched one episode, an unfortunate one in which Kirk was battling a guy in a lizard suit who was throwing paper mache rocks at him. I didn't bother with Star Trek again until reruns in at my college, the alma mater of Ensign Chechov.
My big problem in Chem, other than Greene not seeming very concerned about teaching anything, was the lab. My skills must have been terrible as my results never confirmed or even much correlated with what our textbook was explaining. Of course, it did enter my mind that perhaps some grand deception was going on, that learning how to fudge data so it corresponded to theory, the usual practice in class, was a step in terrestrial pacification and control being exercised by the unseen aliens amongst us. In any case, I didn't fudge my data and got nothing from the lab sessions but a sense of incompetence and a lowered g.p.a.
The grand exception to my general dislike for chemistry was our unit about crystals. Here we were assigned Holden's book and told to follow his instructions to grow our own crystals. I picked an easy one, alum as I recall, and for a change it actually turned out the way it was supposed to. That little exercise and reading the book behind it constituted the swan song of my career as a scientist.
Greene was a short, squat man, probably in his thirties, probably even a neighbor as I'd see him walking down Belle Plaine, our street, occasionally. He always wore a rumpled white shirt, tie and dark slacks. His hobbies were glass-blowing, which he'd do during our lab sessions, and watching Star Trek episodes, the contents of which he'd relate to us regularly. On his implied recommendation, I watched one episode, an unfortunate one in which Kirk was battling a guy in a lizard suit who was throwing paper mache rocks at him. I didn't bother with Star Trek again until reruns in at my college, the alma mater of Ensign Chechov.
My big problem in Chem, other than Greene not seeming very concerned about teaching anything, was the lab. My skills must have been terrible as my results never confirmed or even much correlated with what our textbook was explaining. Of course, it did enter my mind that perhaps some grand deception was going on, that learning how to fudge data so it corresponded to theory, the usual practice in class, was a step in terrestrial pacification and control being exercised by the unseen aliens amongst us. In any case, I didn't fudge my data and got nothing from the lab sessions but a sense of incompetence and a lowered g.p.a.
The grand exception to my general dislike for chemistry was our unit about crystals. Here we were assigned Holden's book and told to follow his instructions to grow our own crystals. I picked an easy one, alum as I recall, and for a change it actually turned out the way it was supposed to. That little exercise and reading the book behind it constituted the swan song of my career as a scientist.
January 21, 2008
This book changed my life.
August 14, 2021
The book is technically edifying in regards to mineralogy, molecular dynamics, geological dynamics and atomic structuring in ionic crystalline. The book begins by reminding readers to be open minded with regards to crystals and they’re growing processes as well. The technical differentiations of ionic crystals and their structuring begins with novice introductions of the atomic and molecular difference within the state of matter, meaning gases, liquids and solids all obviously differ in orderliness or order on a molecular and atomic scale. For example, one millionth of an inch, on a molecular and atomic level within crystalline solid state matter will have an orderliness hundreds of millions of atoms in atomic orderliness which is opposite to gases or in the viscosity of a liquid atomic state depending on temperature gradients (melt temp, etc).
The authors also expresses not to grow crystallines in an over diligence form either because impurities in brilliance, clarity and color, or overall unintended impurities can occur. On the other hand, differences within impurities are explained. For example Ai sulfate, K sulfate and additional Cr sulfate within salients solution and additional K sulfate can for example increase the color of a ruby during grow can be exemplified as a substitutional impurity methodology or just as Ga (germanium sulfate) atoms can be substituted by As (arsenic) due to ionic, and atomic molecular bonding processes within singular element of ionic crystalline.
Other forms of disorderliness within ionic crystaline such as interstitial impurities are mentioned in which the atomic orderliness is a void or an emptiness due to either things like too much H (hydrogen) or simply atomic deficiencies on a molecular scale. The explanation of disorder or disorderliness in larger areas such as within polygonal crystallines molecularly different from various elements at the bases of the divergent vectors their can be dislocation of molecular bonding due to various reasons. And of course the differentiation of being clear that a physicist would never consider fruit punch bowl “an ionic crystal” but rather a glass, due the orderliness after the temperature gradients reducing and the behavior of glass atoms past viscosity cooling are different then crystalline orderliness and much more sporadic and without uniformity and orderliness.
Therefore glass is glass and ionic crystalline is ionic crystalline which is made evident in the book. But also the law of orderliness in the universe is immutable regardless of any scientific extremist, or terrestrial science dogma.
The author goes into the explanation of some mineralogy of igneous rock (volcanic rocks), sediment rocks and the changes due to climate and environment in which the crystals had after the convectional vulcanizing processes and being exposed to the elements etc.
Salt rocks are rather imperative to growing crystals halite, calcite is explained as well for such salient solutions. This can exemplified in ionic activity of Ni, and Ci in polarity using a battery and electrodes/ electrolysis making the water more conductive or alkaline rather. atoms which are positively charged, meaning ions would then move to -/+ electrodes in the solution were a sodium ion is positively charged merge with 6 chloride ions negatively charged , in which electron transfer from sodium and chloride atoms occurs. Differentiating sodium as a positive ion making chlorine negatively ionic. Thus an example of opposite poles, and togetherness completeness wholeness, wholesomeness, harmony which is immutable in the universe regardless of any terrestrial scientific fallacy or extremism.
The book also references to solutions, solvents in which substances are truly fragmented and disbursed into particles no larger then molecules. Gases and liquids can also have solubility traits, however these are selective and also depending on technical knowledge etc. And “solid solution” is suggested to the referencing of for example when two alums form a true solution for the disbursement is then equal through one another on a molecular level. However the differentiation of alloys for example Ag + Au have same atomic arrangements and can retain form as alloys in any orderly proportion and pattern. On the other hand Cu+ Zn have different atomic arrangements, therefore Cu will dissolve in Zn to form ionic crystal sub structuring of an alloy which then retains crystalline arrangement of Zn. But overall quite a lot Zn will dissolve in Cu. If for example further liberal application of Zn ratio is applied to making an alloy then further Cu can dissolve and the atomic arrangements then arise as other kinds of brass for example. The differentiation of molecules dissolved in a solution are accelerated and capable moving about faster in a solute. But on the other hand the diffusion velocity dynamics are much slower if the molecules are moving about in a gas. Inductive or gradient forces can dissolve and or cause an effect of disorderly disarrangement which can equate to molecule dynamic mobility in solutions, however forces of opposites or polarities can gain symmetry in unison and harmony (a universal law ) which can then also solidify atoms and molecules together which then forms solids. But also if further temperature gradients occur, then disarray can transpire in the solute induced to the 2 aforementioned effects (dissolving and disorderly disarrangements ) that again invokes additional animation of the molecules dynamic mobility.
The mentioning of solutions and salts in which effects arise in the primary water solute is discussed. The constitutes of salts, ions can lesson ionic effects (meaning bearing less electric charge and electrical forces) in primary water solution. The water properties reduce the electric forces between ions and repulse the ions away from the solids. All liquids have this effective inducement quality to an extent (and depending on technical knowledge) but water reduces electric forces more over then almost any other known liquid does. Thus primary and initially the reason why water is an overall effective solvent for materials whose molecular constituents bear electrical charges. On the other hand, the solubility and ionic traits of salts can very, for example Salol.
Salol’s natural molecular arrangement is composed of electrically neutral molecules. So from its low temp melting (43 centigrade), since the molecular bond forces are inherently neutral the molecular bond separates in which the defragmentation of the molecules is higher in frequency more then the ions of salt. Nevertheless, salt which melts at 800 centigrade dissolves much more abundantly in water then salol does. So the water greatly reduces the forces between the charged ions which compose salt, but it reduces the forces between the uncharged molecules of salol very little. Water hydrates positively charged ions (for example Mg, Zn,Zi) also Li but that wasn’t mentioned in the book more then any other liquid. The positive ions are inclined to accumulate water more over then negative charged ions were the aforementioned elements accumulate 6 water molecules around them, when the positive ions defragment or dissolve in water solution. So the hydrated positively charged ions assimilate and are harmoniously accepted into the water solution without any disorder (universal law of harmony).
Hydro effects are mentioned. Active hydration qualities of water can effectively arrange a molecular bond with ions of a solid and yet leave it solid but insoluble in remaining water. Example Portland cement, the powdered cement is used in making concrete. Which solidifies into a hard insoluble block of solid mass, when it’s mixed with the correct ratio water. The qualities of plaster of paris makes it evident there’s are still factors of element composition when a salt is soluble In water and when it is not. Plaster of Paris is Ca/calcium sulfate- (Calcium ions and sulfate ions). When immersed in water, it behaves somewhat as Portland cement, meaning it absorbs a definite amount of water, therefore transitioning into a new insoluble solid. Some may consider the transition factoring from some exceptional ions. But Alum, is both a culmination of sulfates/ chlorides were carbon ions are not exceptional but rather the calcium chloride, meaning the salt element composition arrange the transitional properties, this can be exemplified when it’s utilized to reduce the dustiness of roads, thus rendering it effectively soluble in water.
The growth rate and lower vantage vector in supersaturation is explained and how extraordinary well various parts of crystalline faces seem to harmonize one another and succeed in arriving at compromises always as a constant.
I really enjoyed reading this book it’s given perspective into ionic crystallines and the book was written very thoroughly and it was a pleasure into the insights of crystallines
The authors also expresses not to grow crystallines in an over diligence form either because impurities in brilliance, clarity and color, or overall unintended impurities can occur. On the other hand, differences within impurities are explained. For example Ai sulfate, K sulfate and additional Cr sulfate within salients solution and additional K sulfate can for example increase the color of a ruby during grow can be exemplified as a substitutional impurity methodology or just as Ga (germanium sulfate) atoms can be substituted by As (arsenic) due to ionic, and atomic molecular bonding processes within singular element of ionic crystalline.
Other forms of disorderliness within ionic crystaline such as interstitial impurities are mentioned in which the atomic orderliness is a void or an emptiness due to either things like too much H (hydrogen) or simply atomic deficiencies on a molecular scale. The explanation of disorder or disorderliness in larger areas such as within polygonal crystallines molecularly different from various elements at the bases of the divergent vectors their can be dislocation of molecular bonding due to various reasons. And of course the differentiation of being clear that a physicist would never consider fruit punch bowl “an ionic crystal” but rather a glass, due the orderliness after the temperature gradients reducing and the behavior of glass atoms past viscosity cooling are different then crystalline orderliness and much more sporadic and without uniformity and orderliness.
Therefore glass is glass and ionic crystalline is ionic crystalline which is made evident in the book. But also the law of orderliness in the universe is immutable regardless of any scientific extremist, or terrestrial science dogma.
The author goes into the explanation of some mineralogy of igneous rock (volcanic rocks), sediment rocks and the changes due to climate and environment in which the crystals had after the convectional vulcanizing processes and being exposed to the elements etc.
Salt rocks are rather imperative to growing crystals halite, calcite is explained as well for such salient solutions. This can exemplified in ionic activity of Ni, and Ci in polarity using a battery and electrodes/ electrolysis making the water more conductive or alkaline rather. atoms which are positively charged, meaning ions would then move to -/+ electrodes in the solution were a sodium ion is positively charged merge with 6 chloride ions negatively charged , in which electron transfer from sodium and chloride atoms occurs. Differentiating sodium as a positive ion making chlorine negatively ionic. Thus an example of opposite poles, and togetherness completeness wholeness, wholesomeness, harmony which is immutable in the universe regardless of any terrestrial scientific fallacy or extremism.
The book also references to solutions, solvents in which substances are truly fragmented and disbursed into particles no larger then molecules. Gases and liquids can also have solubility traits, however these are selective and also depending on technical knowledge etc. And “solid solution” is suggested to the referencing of for example when two alums form a true solution for the disbursement is then equal through one another on a molecular level. However the differentiation of alloys for example Ag + Au have same atomic arrangements and can retain form as alloys in any orderly proportion and pattern. On the other hand Cu+ Zn have different atomic arrangements, therefore Cu will dissolve in Zn to form ionic crystal sub structuring of an alloy which then retains crystalline arrangement of Zn. But overall quite a lot Zn will dissolve in Cu. If for example further liberal application of Zn ratio is applied to making an alloy then further Cu can dissolve and the atomic arrangements then arise as other kinds of brass for example. The differentiation of molecules dissolved in a solution are accelerated and capable moving about faster in a solute. But on the other hand the diffusion velocity dynamics are much slower if the molecules are moving about in a gas. Inductive or gradient forces can dissolve and or cause an effect of disorderly disarrangement which can equate to molecule dynamic mobility in solutions, however forces of opposites or polarities can gain symmetry in unison and harmony (a universal law ) which can then also solidify atoms and molecules together which then forms solids. But also if further temperature gradients occur, then disarray can transpire in the solute induced to the 2 aforementioned effects (dissolving and disorderly disarrangements ) that again invokes additional animation of the molecules dynamic mobility.
The mentioning of solutions and salts in which effects arise in the primary water solute is discussed. The constitutes of salts, ions can lesson ionic effects (meaning bearing less electric charge and electrical forces) in primary water solution. The water properties reduce the electric forces between ions and repulse the ions away from the solids. All liquids have this effective inducement quality to an extent (and depending on technical knowledge) but water reduces electric forces more over then almost any other known liquid does. Thus primary and initially the reason why water is an overall effective solvent for materials whose molecular constituents bear electrical charges. On the other hand, the solubility and ionic traits of salts can very, for example Salol.
Salol’s natural molecular arrangement is composed of electrically neutral molecules. So from its low temp melting (43 centigrade), since the molecular bond forces are inherently neutral the molecular bond separates in which the defragmentation of the molecules is higher in frequency more then the ions of salt. Nevertheless, salt which melts at 800 centigrade dissolves much more abundantly in water then salol does. So the water greatly reduces the forces between the charged ions which compose salt, but it reduces the forces between the uncharged molecules of salol very little. Water hydrates positively charged ions (for example Mg, Zn,Zi) also Li but that wasn’t mentioned in the book more then any other liquid. The positive ions are inclined to accumulate water more over then negative charged ions were the aforementioned elements accumulate 6 water molecules around them, when the positive ions defragment or dissolve in water solution. So the hydrated positively charged ions assimilate and are harmoniously accepted into the water solution without any disorder (universal law of harmony).
Hydro effects are mentioned. Active hydration qualities of water can effectively arrange a molecular bond with ions of a solid and yet leave it solid but insoluble in remaining water. Example Portland cement, the powdered cement is used in making concrete. Which solidifies into a hard insoluble block of solid mass, when it’s mixed with the correct ratio water. The qualities of plaster of paris makes it evident there’s are still factors of element composition when a salt is soluble In water and when it is not. Plaster of Paris is Ca/calcium sulfate- (Calcium ions and sulfate ions). When immersed in water, it behaves somewhat as Portland cement, meaning it absorbs a definite amount of water, therefore transitioning into a new insoluble solid. Some may consider the transition factoring from some exceptional ions. But Alum, is both a culmination of sulfates/ chlorides were carbon ions are not exceptional but rather the calcium chloride, meaning the salt element composition arrange the transitional properties, this can be exemplified when it’s utilized to reduce the dustiness of roads, thus rendering it effectively soluble in water.
The growth rate and lower vantage vector in supersaturation is explained and how extraordinary well various parts of crystalline faces seem to harmonize one another and succeed in arriving at compromises always as a constant.
I really enjoyed reading this book it’s given perspective into ionic crystallines and the book was written very thoroughly and it was a pleasure into the insights of crystallines
Want to read
June 30, 2008i got this book after kinda joking about growing crystals on mine or a friends walls.
it's actually quite awesome. very clear. written for a range of audiences. i love that in the preface he talks about how anyone can be a scientist. this little book on crystals has a lot to say about solid state physics.
it's actually quite awesome. very clear. written for a range of audiences. i love that in the preface he talks about how anyone can be a scientist. this little book on crystals has a lot to say about solid state physics.
May 13, 2011
548
Two methods of growing crystals, symmetry of crystals, arrangement of atoms in crystals, cleaning crystals, clarifying crystals, other experiments -- making a spectroscope, polarimeter, dichrascope, melt ice by pressure.
Good book, but very technical. Has source of material list and conversion of units (centigrade to fahrenheit).
Two methods of growing crystals, symmetry of crystals, arrangement of atoms in crystals, cleaning crystals, clarifying crystals, other experiments -- making a spectroscope, polarimeter, dichrascope, melt ice by pressure.
Good book, but very technical. Has source of material list and conversion of units (centigrade to fahrenheit).
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews