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Synthesis of precious opal in a hydrothermal solution

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Abstract

The nucleation of orthosilicic acid and the growth of colloidal silica particles in hydrothermal solutions are investigated. The results obtained are compared with the data on the formation of supramolecular matrices of precious opal. Ordered supramolecular structures are experimentally grown in a model solution through the precipitation of colloidal silica particles synthesized by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane in an organic solvent. The type of packing of spherical particles in the supramolecular structure is studied as a function of the component concentration, particle size, and pH and temperature of the model solution. The experimental data can be used to reveal the mechanism of formation of precious opal and to design methods for preparing three-dimensional nanocomposites.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geotechnological Research Center, Far East Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, Severo-Vostochnoe sh. 30, POB 56, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskii, 683002, Russia

    V. V. Potapov

  2. Institute of Geology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pervomaiskaya ul. 54, Syktyvkar, 167982, Russia

    D. V. Kamashev

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  1. V. V. Potapov
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  2. D. V. Kamashev
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Original Russian Text © V.V. Potapov, D.V. Kamashev, 2006, published in Fizika i Khimiya Stekla.

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Potapov, V.V., Kamashev, D.V. Synthesis of precious opal in a hydrothermal solution. Glass Phys Chem 32, 89–98 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1087659606010123

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1087659606010123

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