>The molten silicon slowly aggregates and coalesces - in effect expanding the dimensions of the single crystal lattice. Yup. Czochralski method for growing high purity silicon boules (ingots). It is a fascinating process. I also like the epitaxial growth process that works similarly to how snowflakes grow from a seed crystal and arrange themselves in the crystals lattice as more atoms are vapor deposited onto the substrate. The physics that goes into electronics technology is so fucking amazing.