Randomness model used to simulate crystal growth

An image showing the (100) face of a zeolite A crystal

Source: © Michael Anderson/The University of Manchester

Tool can replicate and predict experimental results for crystal morphology and surface topology for several types of material

Scientists have built a piece of software for studying crystal growth. Named CrystalGrower, it uses Monte Carlo simulations to model not only the crystal habit, but also the nanoscopic surface topography of any crystal structure under conditions of variable supersaturation or at equilibrium.