Abstract
Stable supersaturated solutions of calcium carbonate have been prepared at 10, 25, and 40°C by careful control of experimental conditions. Upon the addition of seed crystals of calcite, the crystallization kinetics have been followed by monitoring the calcium and hydrogen ion concentrations. After an initial growth surge, the process follows the kinetic equation established previously in which the rate of crystallization is proportional to the product of the concentrations, [Ca +2][CO 3 −2]. The activation energy for crystal growth is 11.0 ± 1.0 kcal mole −1, and the rate is independent of the stirring rate. Photomicrographic evidence is presented in support of the suggestion that the initial surge in the growth curves results from additional nucleation at the surface of the added calcite crystals and in the bulk of the supersaturated solution.
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