\alpha-Fe single crystals of rhombic dodecahedral habit were grown from a
melt of Li84​N12​Fe∼3​. Crystals of several millimeter along a
side form at temperatures around T≈800∘C. Upon further cooling
the growth competes with the formation of Fe-doped Li3​N. The b.c.c.
structure and good sample quality of \alpha-Fe single crystals were confirmed
by X-ray and electron diffraction as well as magnetization measurements and
chemical analysis. A nitrogen concentration of 90\,ppm was detected by means of
carrier gas hot extraction. Scanning electron microscopy did not reveal any
sign of iron nitride precipitates.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figure