The metastable zone width and induction period were determined for the aqueous solution growth of L-histidine trifluoroacetate (LHTF). The surface free energy values were calculated from the experimental data. The nucleation parameters such as volume free energy change, critical radius and critical free energy barrier have also been evaluated. Growth morphology depending on the pH values was studied using the micro-crystallization method. Bulk single crystal without any macroscopic defects has been successfully grown based on our investigation results. Furthermore, etch patterns on the {0 1 0} and {-1 0 1} facet of the crystal were also illustrated and described. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.