Growth of barium sulphate single crystals by chemically reacted flux method

A mixture of analytical grade Na2SO4 (melting point 884°C) and BaCl2 (melting point 925°C) is heated in a platinum crucible in a muffle furnace to a temperature of 1000°C for 1 hour and then gradually allowed to cool down to room temperature. It is observed that the following reaction in the molten state has taken place: Na2SO4+ BaCl2→ 2NaCl+BaSO4 During cooling BaSO4 crystals have been formed. Examination by X-rays and also by cleaving and etching have shown them to be perfect single crystals. Thus a new method of growing BaSO4 single crystals has been reported. The implications are discussed