Linear crystallization and induction-period studies of the growth of calcium sulphate dihydrate crystals

The linear crystallization of well-formed crystallites of calcium sulphate dihydrate from supersaturated solutions has been studied by a microscopic method at temperatures ranging from 25 degrees to 55 degrees . The activation energy is 16 +/- 1.5 kcal/mole for the fast-growing faces. Induction periods in the crystallization of calcium sulphate dihydrate have been determined as a function of solution concentration at temperatures of 25 degrees and 90 degrees .