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 (CaCO3) with aluminum chloride solution, the produced CO2 gas acted as both reactant and transport gas to carry aluminum ions (Al3+). These Al3+ along with CO2 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.