Growth of Anorthite Crystal by the Flux Method (II)

Abstract

Attempt to grow anorthite by the flux method has been made for several years, which showed the good prospect for the flux system of CaO-V₂O₅ with Li₂O and/or B₂O₃ and led to the crystal of ca. 10x5x2 mm. Although the transparent single crystals of 1-2 millimeters were obtained, the crystals larger than several millimeters were mostly translucent or colored in pale yellow, and were often cracked or polycrystalline. The coloration was related to the flux composition, and the better results were obtained in the system CaO-V₂O₅-Li₂O. The crack was presumed to be formed on cooling after the growth, so we tried to improve the cooling. At present, however, a remarkable improvement has not been achieved.