In this study, the nucleation and the crystallization of the material with nominal composition of Bi3Sr2Ca2Cu3O delta have been investigated, depending on the heat treatment conditions. It was found that 4 and 8-fold branched nuclei on the samples occurred with increasing the heat treatment temperature. Finally, crystallization occurred with further increase of the temperature. The needle-like crystals (whiskers) perpendicular to the sample surface was formed above 800 degrees C, which consisted of the Bi-2212 phase. The results clearly showed that the an isotropy of surface tension is them ostim portant parameter indetermining the shape of the nucleus. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.