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Post by 1dave on Feb 4, 2018 10:51:29 GMT -5
In 1958 Alan Holden made an important video on crystals, their properties, and how they grow. He recorded the actual growth in process of alum, bismuth, and salol.  If you would like to try growing Bismuth crystals, you may purchase the material from Amazon.com or on eBay.   Bismuth melts at 520 oF. The deeper the STAINLESS STEEL container, the better the resulting crystals. Alan Holden |
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Post by fernwood on Feb 9, 2018 8:30:01 GMT -5
Thank for sharing. Interesting.
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Post by fantastic5 on Feb 9, 2018 8:53:08 GMT -5
I've played with bismuth crystal making. Its a lot of fun. I bought 2 lbs directly from Rotometals and was so surprised at how small they are. I think 1/2 lb is just a little under an inch square.
I melted mine in a small deep can (mushroom I think), in a pot on the stove. In fact I have two small crystals here in my office at work.
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Post by aDave on Feb 9, 2018 13:14:28 GMT -5
I've played with bismuth crystal making. Its a lot of fun. I bought 2 lbs directly from Rotometals and was so surprised at how small they are. I think 1/2 lb is just a little under an inch square. I melted mine in a small deep can (mushroom I think), in a pot on the stove. In fact I have two small crystals here in my office at work. Ann, how did they turn out? Do you have pics? Thanks. Dave |
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Post by fantastic5 on Feb 9, 2018 15:37:51 GMT -5
Ann, how did they turn out? Do you have pics? Thanks. Dave Cell phone pictures, florescent hospital lighting....this is the best I could do  Smallest of the two about the size of a quarter  Largest one is a little bigger than a half dollar and no matter how I tried, I couldn't get a photo to work on that one. The pics don't do them justice. A lot more crystal stacking is present that just doesn't translate in the photo. The good thing about the bismuth, is you can just remelt them until you have one you like. You only loose the top skin where the oxidation forms a slag. I used a paperclip suspended from a bit of wire over the can with molten bismuth to create a place for the crystal to start to grow. Then slowly let the bismuth begin to cool and the crystal forms face down from the wire. Tap the side of the can lightly after a few minutes. This lets you see how much growth you have. When its fairly big area that doesn't jiggle, pull the wire straight up. The color will flash when exposed to air. Whenever I let the crystals form from the bottom up, I didn't care for the look. The slower it cools the better formation you will get. Fun to play with! |
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Post by fantastic5 on Feb 9, 2018 15:45:03 GMT -5
I just wanted to say that mine are so small because I only bought 2 lbs of bismuth, which, when melted only gave me an inch or two in the small mushroom can. You need to melt large amounts of bismuth to get bigger crystals.
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Post by aDave on Feb 9, 2018 16:24:45 GMT -5
That's neat stuff Ann fantastic5, thanks. Definitely intriguing. I may have to try it one day. Dave |
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Post by kk on Feb 9, 2018 19:14:02 GMT -5
Got some somewhere. Unfortunately our humidity level in Hong Kong is way to high to keep them from oxidizing, and wearing them? Certainly not me with my excessive sweating....  |
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Post by vegasjames on Feb 9, 2018 19:34:48 GMT -5
Got some somewhere. Unfortunately our humidity level in Hong Kong is way to high to keep them from oxidizing, and wearing them? Certainly not me with my excessive sweating.... Oxidation is what brings out the vibrant colors in bismuth. |
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Post by kk on Feb 9, 2018 19:40:05 GMT -5
Yeah, it does, but humidity and sweat does break it down to a rather dull colour.
Needs some form of protective coat to wear it on your skin I suppose.
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