meboeck wrote:Wow, that is indeed totally bizarre. I wish my ice cubes defied science.
It was cool the first few times it happened.
But now it is just driving me nuts trying to figure it out.
Edit:
I think I found something.
http://www.exn.ca/mindbender/default.asp?id=17
3. Have you ever found spikes growing in your ice cube tray? Ice spikes look like weird little icicles growing out of the ice surface at odd angles. They're not all that hard to grow at home, if you know how. Few studies of ice spikes have been conducted, but according to the research that has been done so far...
1. Which combination is best for growing ice spikes at home?
13% - a) carbonated water in plastic trays in an old fashioned chest freezer
53% - b) distilled water in plastic trays in a frost-free refrigerator freezer
12% - c) salt water in metal trays in an old fashioned chest freezer
22% - d) tap water in metal trays in a frost-free refrigerator freezer
Answer is: b) distilled water in plastic trays in a frost-free refrigerator freezer
This combo works for most people, most of the time, but there are exceptions. Some people can grow ice spikes using tap water. The scientists can't explain that because the mineral salts in most tap water inhibit spike formation. Metal ice cube trays, and freezers without air circulation, aren't conducive to ice spike formation either. As for why they grow, an ice cube's surface freezes inward from the edges. The last unfrozen part is a small hole. Ice expands as it freezes, and ice freezing below the surface pushes water up through the hole. If the conditions are just right, the water grows into a tube that eventually freezes shut ... and voila! An ice spike!