In exploring the phase behaviour of a nickel-sodium-sulphite system under hydrothermal conditions, the goal of the research was to explore possible corrosion products in the CANDU nuclear reactors, the main reactors used in Canada. To do so, simulated high-temperature, high-pressure experiments were run with nickel oxide and sodium sulphite. This photo shows a novel hideout phase - vaesite (NiS2), that formed. 

Through a scanning electron microscope, a black and white photo of many microscopic grey cube-like crystals on a black background.