Külvikristall

Külvikristall is a term primarily used in Estonian to describe a seed crystal. This is a small, pure crystal used to initiate the growth of a larger crystal of the same substance through a process called seeding. In crystallization, a seed crystal provides a template for the molecules in a supersaturated solution to arrange themselves in an ordered lattice structure, thereby promoting controlled and often larger crystal formation. This technique is important in various scientific and industrial applications, including growing high-quality crystals for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and research. The purity and specific orientation of the külvikristall are crucial for the success of the subsequent crystallization process. Using a seed crystal helps to ensure that the resulting larger crystal has the desired properties and is free from unwanted inclusions or structural defects. The principle applies to a wide range of materials that can be crystallized from solutions, melts, or vapors.