  Thorough mixing of the starting materials is the first step of a crystal
growth procedure. This holds true for almost any standard technique, whereas
the intentional separation of educts is considered to be restricted to a very
limited number of cases. A noticeable exception is the crystal growth in gels
that allows for a better control of the nucleation by limiting the diffusion.
The successful application of this principle to open systems, however, has
remained elusive. Here we show that single crystals of {\alpha}-Li2IrO3 can be
grown from separated educts in an open crucible in air. Elemental lithium and
iridium are oxidized and transported over a distance of typically one
centimeter in an isothermal process. Single crystals grow from an exposed
condensation point placed in between the educts. The method has also been
applied to the growth of Li2RuO3, Li2PtO3 and {\beta}-Li2IrO3 and a successful
use for various other materials is anticipated.
