water of crystallization

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. water of hydration, formerly thought necessary to crystallization: now usually regarded as affecting crystallization only as it forms new molecular combinations.

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water of crystallization British  

noun

1. water present in the crystals of certain compounds. It is chemically combined in stoichiometric amounts, usually by coordinate or hydrogen bonds, but can often be easily expelled

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water of crystallization Scientific  

1. Water in a crystal structure that is chemically combined with the other elements in the crystal. The water of crystallization is necessary for the maintenance of crystalline properties, but it can be removed by heat.

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Etymology

Origin of water of crystallization

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

Using four 20-in. mirrors, he focuses sunlight on powdered pitchstone in a glass laboratory tube until its water of crystallization steams off.

From Time Magazine Archive

When the first layer has reached a depth of a few thousand feet the rocks which contain the water of crystallization are subjected to a terrific heat.

From Complete Story of the San Francisco Horror by Linthicum, Richard

Composition.—Conchinamine may be represented by the formula C19H24N2O2, without water of crystallization.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 315, January 14, 1882 by Various

How could you prove that the water in crystals of common salt is not water of crystallization?

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

What weight of water of crystallization does 1 kg. of borax contain?

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William