INORGANIC CHEMISTRY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site 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 Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP