Question
Boric acid phenomenon
This query came to me, and I have no idea as to the answer. Perhaps you can help.
A young woman studying jewellery/jewelry design prepared a boric acid "solution". You have described its use here: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Jewelry-Gems-Minerals-689/HELP.htm
She left the container open, the alcohol evaporated and the next day she found a growth of fuzzy crystals (photo attached):
She asked what they were, and how they were formed. It seems to me an example of efflorescence, but I have found no mention of such a phenomenon with boric acid. (If anything, boric acid is used to remove efflorescence from walls).
Do you have a suggestion as to what caused this phenomenon ?
Yehoshua Sivan, Chemistry teacher
Menachem Begin High School
Safed
Israel
AnswerDear Yehoshua,
I hesitate to guess at this event in the beaker. I have not seen this sort of crystal formation from a solution of alcohol and boric acid. I used denatured alcohol and with very little water content the boric acid powder is not actually dissolved into solution or if so, the amount going into solution is very small. I must stir the solution with each usage to suspend the boric acid.
I suspect more than boric acid and alcohol in the mix but that is only speculation.
I would think the boric acid would be forming crystals from solution to do what is shown in your photo. Why would this be forming as the "efflorescence" growing and not in the solution is a surprise. Then again, in many years of using the material crystals have not formed in the alcohol solution, only in water based evaporated solutions.
Yehoshua, I do not have an answer. Perhaps with the answer being published someone will see it hand have an answer. I am quite curious.
Please do not rate me for this answer. This is not an answer but perhaps a means for an answer to be found.
You may also visit www.ganoksin.com a large network of artists, jewelers, some teachers and those from other walks of life. You may join freely and pose this question there. Then, there will be a large readership and perhaps an answer.
Blessings and Peace. Thomas.
