Abstract: A method of making single crystals of metal or other crystallizing materials whereby powders of irregular shaped single crystal particles (as small as 325 mesh or about 50 microns) may be readily and economically made. Said method comprises the steps of: (a) forming thin individual coatings on each of said particles such as oxides of metals on metal particles; (b) adding a combustible material to the coated particles and subjecting the combustible material to combustion; (c) melting the particle material within said coatings which function as individual particle crucibles; (d) cooling the melted particles within the coatings to form individual single crystals each within its own coating; and (e) removing the coating such as by solvation with a solvent or by chemical reaction. The single crystal particles conform to the original shape of the particles which may be irregular.