Dear Careina, altough your crystals does't take up the Izit dye it sounds promising. The uptake of Izit depends on the solvent channels of the protein molecule - sometimes the dye just can't enter the molecule. Concerning the Calciumchloride - if the concentration is not too high and without other ingredients which could cause less solube salt there is the possiblity that you have got protein crystals. I once had a condition whith 34 % MPD + 0.1M buffer + 0.1 M Calciumchloride which produced nicely diffracting crystals To speak from my experience I think 1 month after setting up the trays the drops should not be dried out. If the wells are sealed properly new crytals can appear even after 1 year.
You should definately check the diffraction then you will know for sure. Cheers, Ulrike
