The growth of crystals by the chemical transport of material I. A new method of preparing magnetite single crystals

The paper describes the preparation of single crystals of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) by transport over the gaseous phase, in a sealed quartz ampoule. Growth occurs at 800°C, i.e. about 750°C below the melting point of magnetite. The crystals obtained, which are octahedral in form, are up to 2 mm in size; as a rule they are bounded by straight, shiny surfaces. Apart from the most frequent surfaces of an octahedron {111} we also see {110}, {hkk} and {hhk} surfaces. The quality of the surface enables the domain structure to be studied by the colloid technique without any further treatment.