so what distinguishes a solute from a solvent then, ultimately?
the water doesn't form crystals in sol'n because it is far more soluble in the alcohol than this substX is @ low temperatures.
but i've never seen something that is a liquid @ RT be put into a solution and then @ low temp, crystallize. it's like the atmosphere and alcohol are comperable solvents to this material.. So, did it never really go into solution thus dissolve - just like a non-polar solvent? i've never heard of an NP with such a high freezing point though.
OR is this what a hydrated salt will act like? epsom salts! so they began forming a weakling crystal (the "icicle"), but it was too thin to bear its own weight and water dissolving it @ RT. like a spongy crystal. Ey?
it would best explain the complication in the preceding ideas that: the 'crystals' which initially melted, did dry eventually - superficially at least..
..hackneyed but, "live and learn"