Gold single microcrystals have been fabricated by electrochemical growth in a silica gel. Structural characterization of the single crystals by backscatter electron diffraction showed a preferred orientation of Au (111)and a minor orientation of Au (100). In addition, the influence of additives on the nucleation and growth of gold microcrystals has been studied. It was found that the inclusion of chemical additives in the growth solutions altered the characteristics of the gold crystals. Possible mechanisms for nucleation and growth of these crystals are discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.