The growth behavior of large, thin, plate-like almost-cubic single crystals which were prepared using high-temperature solutions was studied by means of optical microscopy. Growth spirals with various shapes were observed on both {001} and {100} surfaces, while surface dendrites and a hopper morphology were also observed on {100}/{010} surfaces. Both dislocation, and 2-dimensional, growth mechanisms were used to explain the observed features. The dislocation growth mechanism was found to be responsible for the formation of the {001} surfaces, while the 2-dimensional growth mechanism was found to be responsible for the formation of lateral {100}/{010} surfaces. The difference in the growth mechanisms of the 2 types of surface was attributed to the effect of the isotropic crystal structure.

B.Zhou, G.J.Russell: Journal of Crystal Growth, 1996, 165, 42-9