I thought I`de try a new synth for making Calcium Sulphide crystals (the stuff that glows in the dark used in paints).

 

I made a batch of Sodium Sulphide then added Calcium Carbonate, it reacted making calcium sulphide and sodium carbonate, (all went well!).

the only problem is that it doesn`t glow in the dark?

so I did some research and found out that it wont unless it has some heavy metals involved for the crystals to grow onto (Copper can be used too).

 

so does anyone have any idea how I might accomplish this?

Try incorporating oxides of Strontium Aluminate (SrAl) as the phosphor, that should work better, they used to use Zinc Sulphide with copper sufactants for making photoluminescent paint. GL.

all my Sr compounds are as Nitrates or chlorates at the mo as with barium etc...

 

I`ll have to work on a Zinc synth some more, I have the elemental componants of each, but find that the heat in reaction destroys the phosphor capability

 

I`m totaly at a loss here (so UNLIKE ME!)