Rhodochrosite crystal growth is one of a few intriguing natural processes that has been copied from Mother Nature and implemented in the laboratory. XSTALSHOP (division of R&D XTALS, Inc) has recently adapted this hydrothermal growth process with the aim of creating natural-looking crystal specimens for researchers, mineral collectors, museums, educators, as well as objects d'art for other buyers.
The term "hydrothermal" is used to describe a crystallization method utilizing superheated (about 660 F (350 C)), mainly alkaline aqueous solutions at very high pressure, EXCEEDING 10,000 psi (>70 MPa). The crystals are grown in an airtight, thick-walled, steel vessel called an autoclave. We called that autoclave as "high pressure cooker". Pressure in the autoclave is built up solely by electrical heating. Crystals begin forming on "seeds", which are broken natural rhodochrosite grains, clusters, and/or slices and pieces of the same. Crushed pieces of naturally rhodochrosite are the raw material for growth.
This process is complex, very energy intensive, requires specific controls, and can be dangerous. It cannot and should not be done at home. Researchers from R&D XTALS have nearly 65 years of combined experience with hydrothermal growth techniques for quartz, rhodochrosite, and several other crystals, and have the requisite educational background in geology and mineralogy. They also have the necessary patience to constantly monitor the batches of growing crystals over a long time from a few months to a few years. However, this is just a blink of an eye compared to the eons-long time scale required for some natural crystal growth.
The faces on each crystal are built up by molecular layers, undisturbed, and in full darkness. They have not been cut, polished, or touched in any way to enhance their beauty after growth. Close inspection may reveal faint traces of the seed inside individual crystals, but all of the external faces are natural shapes with natural luster.
Many our specimens are placed in a plastic display case to prevent dust accumulation and protect against chipping and breaking.
These rhodochrosite crystals will last for a long time to educate you and decorate your mineral display at home or at mineral show.
For sale are six (6) exquisite specimens of the rhodochrosite crystal clusters, hydrothermally grown in lab and shown on the pictures and video.
The specimens are set into individual clear thumbnail size Perky display cases with inner dimensions 1.25" x 1.25" x 1.25" (3.2cm x 3.2cm x 3.2 cm).
You can find an additional information
about rhodochrosite, crystals and hydrothermal growth process on the Wikipedia website with key
words: rhodochrosite, crystal, single crystal, crystallization, hydrothermal synthesis, seed
crystal, crystal growth, etc. Your questions are welcome.
Thank you for buying our
specimens. Positive feedback will be very appreciated.
All photographs and video are copyright of R&D XTALS, Inc.
© 2005-2025, R&D XTALS, Inc. All rights reserved. The information in this material is educational and promotional in nature.
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