water glass

Crystal garden grown using water glass
Image credit: S. Horbury

An aqueous solution of sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) – a concentrated, syrupy alkaline – made by fusing sodium carbonate with silica. It is used to preserve eggs, as a cement, in ore flotation, and for water- and fire-proofing.

Water glass can also be used to grow "crystal gardens." Crystals of various colored metal salts, such as copper sulfate, iron sulfate, and iron chloride are added to a jar containing a 50% solution of water glass. The corresponding metal silicates are formed as structures that resemble alien plants.

Related category

• INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Also on this site:

Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History

BACK TO TOP