The objective of this experiment was to grow a crystal of LiNa3 (CrO4)2 + 6H2O called Lithium Trisodium Chromate Hexahydrate These crystals are small, yellow and have a hexagonal packing system. Individual sizes of the crystals formed varied from less than a millimeter to a quater of an inch. We used the two recipes and compared the clarity,purity of color, sharpeness of angles and the flatness of faces produced. These repeated patterns of molecules formed double compounds in the crystalline lattice. Unfortunately there are misconceptions about crystals, rarely are they ever perfect. The growing process for this type of crystal was a high speed crystallization,which is a disadvantage when you want to grow a good crystal. After growing the crystals, a microscope was used to observe the crystal features - so they might be a candidate for X-ray diffraction.
| 60g Recipe Largest Crystal formed |
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| First sample formed. |
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| Sample placed with light source between plates. |
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Properties:
Lithium trisodium hexahydrate chromate is a a very brittle crystal with very flat faces, the angles were not calculated since the x-ray diffraction was not completed by the publisjing date of this site. The color should be quite clear allowing light to pass through it much like a prism.
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