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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: PorkTrousers on July 08, 2007, 07:32:43 PM

Title: Homemade boiling stones
Post by: PorkTrousers on July 08, 2007, 07:32:43 PM

What are some good easy to find materials to use as boiling chips? I read that if you ever break a borisilicate flask or beaker to use the broken piece of glass as boiling chips. In that case could any old broken glass pieces be used? I know regular glass breaks when it gets too hot but I can't imagine small glass fragments breaking.

Would that work? Could I break a beer bottle and use the glass fragments as boiling stones?

Title: Re: Homemade boiling stones
Post by: enahs on July 08, 2007, 07:52:43 PM

It would be fairly safe (boiling wise) to use any household glass chips. You will of course have the danger of sharp edges.

A better choice would be broken chips from ceramics.


But not all glasses and ceramics are equally non-reactive.

Title: Re: Homemade boiling stones
Post by: Mitch on July 08, 2007, 08:49:26 PM

Just go in the back yard and find some rocks. Clean thoroughly and just run with it.

Title: Re: Homemade boiling stones
Post by: PorkTrousers on July 09, 2007, 12:39:58 AM

I don't have a back yard but I just broke a plate and used the fragments. They worked well too.