Iron single crystal growth from a lithium-rich melt

\alpha-Fe single crystals of rhombic dodecahedral habit were grown from a melt of Li${}_{84}$N${}_{12}$Fe${}_{\sim 3}$. Crystals of several millimeter along a side form at temperatures around $T\approx {800}^{\circ }$C. Upon further cooling the growth competes with the formation of Fe-doped Li${}_3$N. The b.c.c. structure and good sample quality of \alpha-Fe single crystals were confirmed by X-ray and electron diffraction as well as magnetization measurements and chemical analysis. A nitrogen concentration of 90,ppm was detected by means of carrier gas hot extraction. Scanning electron microscopy did not reveal any sign of iron nitride precipitates.