Spicule Formation In Solutions Stored In Glass Containers

Flakes, or spicules, which sometimes form in solutions contained in glass bottles, have been studied. They can be caused by a reaction involving silicon and magnesium, which may originate from the glass or as a contaminant in the original solution. Threshold levels can be as low as 20 ppm silica and 1 ppm magnesia. The spicules were crystalline, similar to the mineral saponite.