Abstract
A procedure for the growth of calcium sulphate dihydrate (gypsum) crystals, CaSO4 · 2H2O, by a gel technique in the presence of barium chloride as an additive as well as without the additive, is described. Optimum conditions for the growth of good quality crystals are worked out. Needle-shaped crystals with well-defined prism faces are obtained. Microtopographical studies of the crystals are carried out. The observed surface structures on the prism faces of the crystals include vertical striations and parallelogram-shaped, oriented growth hillocks. Etch patterns on these faces are described and discussed. Reciprocity of the growth and etch mechanisms is established. Laser Raman spectral studies of these crystals are also made. Splitting of the non-degenerate fundamental is observed in the spectrum of the crystals grown in the presence of the additive. The present studies indicate that the additive used enhances the quality of the crystals.
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