A dead eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) was recently cut and the wood saved for later woodworking. From the chainsawn face, a rime of acicular radii appeared only on the colored heartwood over the course of a month or so. The minute crystals are tasteless and have a rough melting point of 72-75°C. What could be the identity of this substance?
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1$\begingroup$ An uneducated guess would be a certain oxalate (see also en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Druse_(botany)). $\endgroup$– andselisk ♦Commented Oct 11 at 15:22
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1$\begingroup$ BTW, tasting oxalates might not be a good idea. (Though rhubarb is eaten.) $\endgroup$– DrMoishe PippikCommented Oct 11 at 15:48
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1$\begingroup$ Biology SE might be a better home for this $\endgroup$– AndrewCommented Oct 11 at 16:35
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1$\begingroup$ @andselisk I don't believe any oxalate would have a melting point that low. $\endgroup$– Ivan NeretinCommented Oct 11 at 18:08
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1$\begingroup$ Maybe this one? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedrene $\endgroup$– Paul KolkCommented Oct 11 at 19:17
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