Diamond Formation
Saturate while warm, then push the solution past saturation, slowly, by cooling or by evaporation.
Saturate while warm, then push the solution past saturation, slowly, by cooling or by evaporation.
The basics
- For the most consistent results, start with fresh frozen plant material extracted at sub-critical temperatures with a low boiling point solvent.
- That maximizes terpene retention, and terpenes aid nucleation.
- Crystallization needs a saturated solution, one where the solvent can dissolve no more THC-A, which is then pushed to supersaturation so THC-A crystallizes out.
How it works
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Load the solution warm | Higher temperature raises solubility, so the solvent dissolves more solute. Saturate the solution while it is warm |
| 2a. Cooling method | Cooling a saturated solution lowers solubility and drops THC-A out, by spontaneous nucleation or at a seed crystal. Crystals grow until the system reaches equilibrium |
| 2b. Evaporation method | Alternatively, slowly remove solvent from a saturated solution until it becomes supersaturated |
| 3. What remains | The remaining liquid is mostly other cannabinoids and terpenes, often called sauce |
On a sealed vessel, the evaporation method is a slow pressure decay over days to weeks, bleeding solvent off through an adjustable relief so the solution rides down its saturation curve. That is the job the N.B. Oler Diamond Mine is built for: a jacketed crystallization reactor rated to 299 psi.
Many methods and variables are not covered here. Call the shop to talk through which method will suit your material, or for help optimizing your process.
What to buy for this
Diamond Mine crystallization reactorThe sealed reactor for the cooling and evaporation methods.
Compound gauge, 2.5 inch dialWatch the slow pressure decay of an evaporation run.
Need it built to your drawing? Request a quote
Sources. N.B. Oler Technical Brief 10d, Diamond Formation, Rev. 2026.1 (2026 Training Binder); N.B. Oler Technical Primer on Hydrocarbon Extraction, Rev. 2026.1. Boundless Chemistry, Lumen (2020); PubChem Compound Database, Δ9-THC (2020); Seodigeng, Introduction to Crystallization from a Solution, Baas Technologies (2015).
PARTS THIS ARTICLE COVERS
Most parts listed here are in stock in Bend and usually ship the same day when ordered by 1 PM PT. Each product page shows its own lead time.
