> Could it also be that some of the aluminum dissolved in the molten lead a= nd > alloyed with it? > Are you suggesting that as an alloy it would be better suited to reproduce the coral like structures. I am tempted to repeat the experiment with an aluminium pot. Interesting ... when I stated that I did not use kitchen pots, I really meant that I used a kitchen pot that was no longer used in the kitchen or for food. It was as it turns out stainless steel. Justin --=20 http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .