Gel Cusps and Crystal Growth in Gels

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Abstract
Observations on the cusp‐shaped ``cracks'' which form around crystals growing in gels are reported. It is shown that the cusps are interconnected, that the most common shape of the cusps is three‐sided, that the cusp sides have a ridged structure, and finally, that the disposition of cusps around a growing crystal often displays a good deal of symmetry. It is concluded that the crystal is completely surrounded by liquid as it grows, and that this liquid is contained within a womb‐like enclosure formed by the cusps surrounding a crystal. It is proposed that the surface of the womb made of the gel cusps acts like a membrane, and additional nutrients enter the womb through osmosis.

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