What is flux growth in the context of synthetic crystal formation?

Flux growth refers to a method of synthesizing crystals by dissolving materials in a molten flux, or a mixture of various materials that contributes to the solution. In this process, the selected nutrients, usually in powdered form, are combined with the flux and heated until they dissolve. As the solution cools, the dissolved nutrients gradually crystallize out of the solution, forming synthetic crystals. This technique is advantageous for producing high-quality crystals with fewer inclusions, and it is commonly used for growing gemstones and other materials.

The focus on the cooling phase is critical because it allows for the gradual formation of well-structured crystals. By controlling the conditions under which the solution cools, such as temperature and pressure, the growth can be manipulated to achieve desired crystal forms and sizes.