Preparation of silicate stalagmite from sodium silicate

Silicate stalagmites were prepared by a novel approach using sodium silicate as the silica source. Through the reaction of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) with aluminum chloride solution, the produced CO 2 gas acted as both reactant and transport gas to carry aluminum ions (Al 3+). These Al 3+ along with CO 2 reacted with sodium silicate resulting in stalagmite growth in solution. The stalagmites obtained were in the range of 15 μm to 2 mm in diameter and 5 cm in length. The growth mechanism is also discussed.