Ask A Scientist Materials Science Archive

name         Megan
status       student
grade        9-12
location     PA

Question -   How does impurities in composition effect the growth 
of salt crystals?
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Hi Megan!
It will depend what these impurities are and how much.
If  it is in a big quantity (some how) and
crystallizable class they will grow like another type
of crystal, or very small quantities could be included
(inside) the big crystal. If both material have the
same crystal characteristics maybe they could form
a mixed crystal.
Any way consider that fractional crystallization is a
way (process) to purify crystals with impurities.
Thanks for asking NEWTON!

Mabel
(Dr. Mabel Rodrigues)
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It all depends upon what substance(s) the impurities is(are), and what the
concentration(s) is(are). Some impurities "fit" right into the growing
crystal lattice, while others are either excluded, or alter the growth
pattern of the crystal. Generalizations are difficult to make.

Vince Calder
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