No abstract

Remarkable zincite crystals have formed as a by-product of zinc white production in Olawa Foundry, Poland. Some are of gem quality and have been faceted. Small primary crystals formed by reaction of zinc vapour with carbon dioxide from fuel burning gases leaking through faults in a diaphragm of a retort furnace. Some of these have undergone carbon monoxide-promoted and zinc vapour-assisted sublimation to form large secondary crystals. Many of these crystals are brightly coloured and transparent, and have been found up to 2 kg in weight. Most of the crystals are fluorescent in ultraviolet light.