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Abstract

A new article of manufacture consisting of a metal crystal which is macrocrystalline, unicrystalline and columnar. The crystal consists of a single prime particle bounded by at least two sets of distinguishable (hkl) planes specific to the metal which are determined by the internal crystal structure. The crystal orientation is such that another (hkl) plane specific to the metal is perpendicular to the long axis of the crystal. The sets of planes define a plurality of parallel, non-coplanar macroscopic facets, which microscopically are crystallographic step-growth surfaces. A process for producing a product metal from a solution of metal values is disclosed. Crystals of the product metal in a pregnant solution of the metal values are supplied with electrons to preferentially reduce product metal ions in the locus of the crystals to product metal. Positive ions are supplied in a region of the crystallization zone remote from the locus of reduction of the metal ions to maintain ionic charge neutrality in the pregnant solution. A concentration step-function of the metal values is established in the locus of the crystals, the gradient thereof being at least sufficient to cause the product metal to attach to the crystal lattice of the crystals by atomic bonding.

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First Claim