earthware crock

[Arion]

Hi,

I'm a newbie and am following the clear outlines put forward on the forum for people like me: meaning reading a lot before asking any question that may have already been covered in the great number of publications and posts available.

I'm currently reading C.M.Hoke and she regularly advises the use of an earthware crock to contain acid solutions. I was wondering if it is possible to use a glass or pyrex jar instead of an earthware crock? For practical reasons mainly (being able to see what's inside enables better control when pouring). Thank you for your time.

 

[Geo]

Ms Hoke wrote that book almost a hundred years ago. of course they had glass, but it was far more precious then as it was hard to mass produce like it is today. she geared the book toward the common person who wanted to deal with their own material and not everyone had access to labware. she substituted common everyday items when she could that would still work for the purpose. glass or Pyrex can be used for almost all acids or bases. there are exceptions when the chemical reacts to silicates, but at this stage, i dont think you will be dealing with any of them. i will note that you cant use glass with concentrated sodium hydroxide (lye) as it will dissolve glass at higher temperatures.

 

[Palladium]

Borosilicate glass is what you want. Just because something says it's Pyrex doesn't mean it can take the heat of thermal shock.

 

[Arion]

Thanks a lot for your kind replies. I was unsure whether she recommended earthware jars because of the inherent rarity of glass at the time, or if it wa because some of the acids involved were potent enough to dissolve glass.

I'll remember than lye and glass is a no go and to search for Borosilicate. Thanks again.

 

[qst42know]

She was referring to her stock pot being an earthen ware crock.

It was plastics she didn't have ample access to. A 5 gallon bucket and lid serve well as a stock pot for a small operation or any number of poly drums for larger operations.