A laboratory dish is a type of laboratory glassware that is typically used for holding, mixing, or heating small quantities of chemicals or biological samples. These dishes are generally shallow, circular, and made of heat-resistant glass or plastic.
Laboratory dishes come in various sizes, ranging from a few millimeters in diameter to several centimeters, depending on the intended use. They are also available in different shapes, including round, square, and rectangular.
Common types of laboratory dishes include Petri dishes, watch glasses, crystallizing dishes, and evaporating dishes. Petri dishes are used for culturing microorganisms, while watch glasses are used for evaporating liquids or as a cover for beakers or flasks. Crystallizing dishes are used for growing crystals, and evaporating dishes are used for evaporating or concentrating solutions.
Laboratory dishes are typically made of borosilicate glass, which is resistant to thermal shock and chemical corrosion. Some plastic materials, such as polystyrene and polypropylene, can also be used as a cheaper alternative.
Overall, laboratory dishes are versatile and essential pieces of laboratory glassware that are used in a wide range of applications, from microbiology to chemistry.