Research on Zircon Polarizers

摘要

Experiments on the growth of single crystal zircon (ZrSiO4) were continued with the hydrothermal method. Autoclaves of 1.0-1.5 inch diameter have produced growth rates of 0.009 inch per day on (100) plane seeds with a mixed mineralizer consisting of 5mKF-1mLiF. The growth temperatures bordering on 600C are the highest attainable in available hydrothermal systems, but temperature capability will be improved with the acquisition of two new high-temperature alloy systems. Small hydrothermal runs have been made to determine a proper mineralizer for use at temperatures up to 700C. The 0.5 inch size zircon crystals obtained in large hydrothermal runs are believed to be the largest zircon crystals ever produced synthetically. (Author)