William Melstrom:  Crystalline Glaze
	Hudson Valley Arts Center-337 Warren St., Hudson, NY-  800-456-0507    www. fncraft.com

Ceramic-Stone

Glaze crystals are very similar to snowflakes in both appearance and formation. The nucleus of a snowflake is typically a dust particle. Molecules of freezing water attach themselves to the nucleus in a regular lattice or chain-like structure, creating a symmetrical, patterned crystal called a snowflake.

The same process occurs in glaze crystal formation, but at a much higher temperature. A molecule of titinia or alumina acts as the nucleus. The actual crystal is composed of silica (glass), the primary constituent of all glazes. Atoms of silica in the molten glaze are free to move around and attach themselves to the nucleus in a regular lattice pattern. The crystal "Freezes" as the glaze cools and solidifies. Slight variations in temperature determine how large, fast and structure the crystal forms. This is about 50 degree range, or about .00025% temperature change while the glaze is molten.

William Melstrom has won awards and been featured in national publications such as Ceramics Monthly; his work is even being included in museum collections.