Copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) occurs naturally as an anhydrous salt, Chalcocyanite, but more often as a mineral hydrate. Chalcantite (CuSO4 * 5H2O) is the dominant crystal form found in nature. Other hydrated crystal forms of copper (II) sulfate not commonly found in nature are bonattite (CuSO4 * 3H2O) and boothite (CuSO4 * 7H2O). Each of these minerals have a unique crystal structure as well as associated chemical and physical properties. In an attempt to mimic nature, crystallization was achieved using a slow evaporation method. The synthetically grown crystals were quantitatively evaluated for structure and purity using diffraction, spectroscopic, and gravimetric methods. Instrumentation used for these methods were single crystal and powder x-ray diffraction (SC-XRD and PXRD), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The outcomes of this project are being used to design and develop a set of guided-inquiry laboratory modules at the undergraduate level on the topic and the techniques associated with crystallography.

Development of a guided-inquiry based undergraduate laboratory module: The preparation & analysis of copper (II) culfate crystal formations

2019 Spring National Meeting

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