BALG (B-Alanine, L-Glutamine) creates perhaps the most beautiful crystalscapes that I’ve seen. For weeks I’ve watched others share glorious delicate curls fanning out across their slides. My initial experiments with this combination were less than pleasing. After receiving much advice and encouragement, I finally developed a recipe that seems almost repeatable in creating beautiful images.

The amino acids B-Alanine and L-Glutamine are both soluble in alcohol and water. Using more alcohol than water helps crystals to form through quicker evaporation. Placing a slide on very low heat can help speed evaporation to initialize crystallization.

I use 40% ABV Vodka as my alcohol component. These microscopic crystals are imaged using polarized light, and the vivid colors are enhanced through the use of plain cellophane retarders (plastic wrapping from various food products in the house).

I’m experimenting with ways to help spread the mixed solution across the slide without it retracting into small, thick islands. Recommendations include adding ethanol or another alcohol to the solution on the slide, washing the slide with dish soap then rinsing and drying before using, rubbing the slide with dishwasher soap and leaving it on before using, and more. So far I’ve had mixed, unrepeatable results with these methods.

My best recipe so far:

• Dissolve separately B-Alanine + Vodka + Water (0.13 g B-Alanine, 3:1 Vodka:H20) and L-Glutamine + Vodka + Water (0.04 g L-Glutamine, 3:1 Vodka:H20). Total amount of liquid (Vodka + H2O) in each solution is about 3-4cc. Vodka is 40% ABV.
• Combine 1 drop of each solution on a slide and mix/spread with a glass stirrer rod.
• Place slide (without a cover slip) on very low heat until crystals begin to form.

Here are some examples using this recipe: