Crystal grow kits are a fun way to grow your own crystals at home. These STEM science kits allow you to experience the wonder of crystal formation through hands-on learning. But an important question arises – are the crystals you grow with these kits real crystals?
What Are Crystal Grow Kits?
A crystal grow kit is an educational science toy that comes with all the materials and instructions you need to grow crystals at home. Kits typically include:
- Crystal powders – These are concentrated chemical solutions that contain dissolved compounds like copper sulfate, potassium alum, or sodium acetate. They provide the source material for crystal formation.
- Seed rocks/crystals – Small starter crystals that serve as a base for further crystal growth.
- Crystal growing chamber – A plastic container with an elongated well or grooves to hold the seed crystal while the solution slowly grows crystals on it.
- Wooden stick or spoon – For stirring the solution.
- Magnifying glass – To inspect the crystalline structures up close.
- Activity booklet – Provides background information on crystal formation, experiments, safety guidelines, etc.
Crystal growing kits first became popular in the 1950s as educational chemistry sets for children. They remain a favorite science activity for kids today. The process allows young experimenters to learn about topics like solubility, chemical bonds, molecular structure, and the physics of crystallization.
How Do Crystal Grow Kits Work?
Crystal formation is a natural chemical process that occurs when a mineral-rich solution becomes supersaturated. This forces the minerals to solidify into an orderly, crystalline structure.
Crystal grow kits create the perfect conditions to grow high-quality crystals. Here’s a simplified overview of the crystal growing process using an at-home kit:
- Prepare a super-saturated chemical solution in a clean jar. This contains dissolved mineral compounds like copper sulfate.
- Add a pre-formed seed crystal to the solution with a wooden stick or spoon. This provides a base for crystals to grow on.
- Place the jar in a warm area, away from direct sunlight. This encourages slow evaporation.
- Over the next few hours to days, crystals will slowly grow on the seed as water evaporates and minerals come out of solution.
- When crystal growth is complete, remove the fully formed crystals from the solution and rinse them with water.
The key is having the right level of supersaturation and providing ideal conditions for ordered crystallization to occur. Kits simplify the process for beginners.
The Science Behind Crystal Formation
Growing crystals with a kit demonstrates several key scientific principles:
Solubility
- Solutions can only hold a certain maximum amount of dissolved mineral compounds.
- Adding more causes saturation, forcing crystallization.
Chemical Bonds
- Ionic compounds like copper sulfate dissociate into ions when dissolved in water.
- Ions reconnect in a rigid, repeating pattern as the solution crystallizes.
Molecular Structure
- Crystalline solids have a highly ordered internal structure.
- Atoms, ions, or molecules align in a 3D lattice.
Crystallization
- Crystals grow through self-assembly as conditions become ideal.
- Molecules align based on their chemical bonds and polarity.
- Imperfections lead to flaws in the crystal lattice.
So while crystal growth kits use artificially created chemical solutions, the underlying crystal growth process follows real science!
Educational Benefits of Crystal Grow Kits
Crystal growing kits are a fun way to learn science by doing hands-on experiments. Key educational benefits include:
- Teaches basic chemistry concepts – solubility, saturation, chemical bonding, crystallization, etc.
- Develops critical thinking skills – observing phenomena, analyzing results, and identifying variables.
- Encourages creative exploration – designing custom crystal creations.
- Introduces crystal structures – formation, lattice patterns, flaws.
- Promotes interest in science/STEM – especially for kids and students.
- Hands-on learning experience – actively doing experiments is more engaging.
So crystal grow kits aren’t just a fun hobby – they teach real scientific principles through inquiry and discovery!
Types of Crystal Growing Kits
There are a few common types of crystal grow kits:
Seed Crystal Kits
- Comes with pre-formed seed crystals.
- Grow solution provided in plastic bottles or jars.
- Easier method for beginners.
Powder Kits
- Contains powdered chemical mixtures.
- Just add water to create a crystal growth solution.
- Allows making custom solutions.
Liquid Kits
- Pre-made crystal growth solutions in sealed tubes.
- Just insert seed crystals and watch them grow over hours/days.
- Very easy plug-and-play method.
Glow-in-The-Dark
- Use phosphorescent compounds like copper sulfite.
- Crystals glow under UV blacklight.
- Fun twist!
There are also fast-growing kits that produce crystals overnight vs. over weeks. The best match depends on age, skill level, and personal preferences.
How to Use a Crystal Growing Kit
Follow these basic steps to grow your own crystals:
Step 1: Assemble Tools
- Crystal growth chamber
- Wooden stick or spoon
- Magnifying glass
- Seed crystals
- Safety goggles
Step 2: Prepare Solution
- For powdered kits, mix the chemical powder with water in a jar.
- For premade solutions, just pour into a jar.
- Follow kit instructions for proper saturation.
Step 3: Add Seed Crystal
- Tie seed crystal to stick or spoon handle with string or tape.
- Gently lower seed crystal into solution.
Step 4: Allow Crystals to Grow
- Place the jar on a flat surface in a warm area, away from direct sunlight.
- Wait 1-7 days for crystals to fully form on the seed.
Step 5: Remove Crystals
- Carefully remove the seed crystal from the solution once fully grown.
- Rinse with water to clean.
- Admire your homemade crystals!
It takes patience, but follow the steps for crystal growing success! Refer to your kit’s guide for full instructions.
Best Crystal Growing Kits
High-quality crystal grow kits guarantee excellent results for beginners. Here are 5 top picks:
| Kit | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Geographic Crystal Growing Lab | Good for ages 8+. Grows many crystal types. Fun volcano effect. | $24.99 on Amazon | Can take 1-2 weeks for full crystal growth. Instructions could be better. |
| 4M Crystal Growing Experiment Kit | Best variety – grows 6 crystal types. Fun glowing crystals. | $14.99 on Amazon | Powders can be messy for younger kids. |
| Melissa & Doug Crystal Growing Lab | Great for younger kids – ages 5+. Easy to use pre-made solutions. | $19.99 on Amazon | Smaller crystals than advanced kits. |
| Thames & Kosmos Crystal Growing Lab | Grows biggest crystals. Includes display stand. | $29.99 on Amazon | Advanced kit better suited for teens. Long growth times. |
| Creativity for Kids Rock Crystal Kit | Nice beginner’s kit at affordable price. | $15.99 on Amazon | May need adult help for younger kids. |
Look for kits with clear instructions, high-quality materials, teaching tools like books, and fun, glowing or fast-growing crystal options to get started. Advanced kits with more chemicals and customization are also available for crystal-growing enthusiasts.
Are Crystals Grown From Kits “Real”?
This is the big question! While they may look magical, are the crystals grown with kits real?
The answer is – they are absolutely real mineral crystals, just synthesized in artificial conditions.
Here are the key facts:
- The crystals have an ordered internal lattice just like naturally occurring mineral crystals.
- The chemical solutions contain real compounds like copper sulfate or potassium alum that crystallize.
- The basic physical process of crystallization is the same.
However, there are some differences from natural geologic crystals:
- Kit crystals grow faster under controlled conditions vs. slowly in nature.
- Natural crystals form randomly vs. seeded deliberately.
- Kit crystals tend to be more perfect with fewer flaws.
- The compounds may be purified vs. natural mineral mixes.
So in summary, the crystals grown with kits are real crystals, just made artificially for education and enjoyment!
Crystals vs. Crystal Grow Kits – Which is Better?
Natural and synthetic crystals both have unique benefits:
| Crystal Grow Kits | Natural Crystals |
|---|---|
| Lower cost – $10 to $30 per kit | Expensive – $50+ for naturally formed crystals |
| Convenient – materials provided, grows at home | Must be collected from nature or bought |
| Fun learning experience for kids and adults | More mystical appeal and symmetry |
| Variety of colors and crystal types | Rarer forms and larger sizes |
| Grow exactly what you want | Thrill of discovery finding natural crystals |
For most beginners, crystal growing kits are the best way to start learning about crystals. Advanced collectors may prefer natural crystals for their flaws, complexity, and origin. But both options allow appreciating the wonder of crystalline structures!
Crystal Growing Kits for Kids
Crystal grow kits are a top STEM learning toy for children. Benefits include:
- Interactive, hands-on learning
- Teaches basic science principles
- Lets kids experience real crystal formation
- Promotes interest in geology and chemistry
- Fun excuse for screen-free playtime
Choose age-appropriate kits with safe chemicals and clear instructions. Supervise young children for safety. Best practices include:
- Read instructions aloud to young kids
- Demonstrate each step before they do it
- Keep small objects like seeds out of reach of babies/toddlers
- Help with stirring solutions and pouring chemicals
- Remind kids to wash hands after use
- Handle formed crystals gently to avoid breakage
Growing beautiful crystals provides an enriching educational adventure for kids!
Crystal Growing Kits for Adults
Crystal grow kits aren’t just for children – they make an engaging hobby for adults too! Benefits include:
- Mesmerizing to watch crystals slowly form
- Relaxing, low-key activity for staying occupied
- Opportunity to learn about chemistry and physics
- Makes a great gift for loved ones
For adults, look for more advanced kits that allow:
- Growing bigger, higher-quality crystals
- Using emerging methods like hydrothermal synthesis
- Customizing crystal colors and shapes
- Harvesting crystals for jewelry making or display
Patient adults can also enjoy the magic of crystal creation!
Using Crystal Grow Kits in Education
Crystal grow kits are wonderful classroom tools for teaching science:
- Visual aid in chemistry, earth science, physics, and geology
- Lets students grow different crystal types
- Engaging lab experiments with measurable results
- Learn about concepts like solubility, bonding, lattice structures, etc.
- Allows designing experiments by changing variables like temperature, saturation, pH levels, impurities, etc.
- Facilitates collaborative learning in small groups
Teachers can develop engaging lesson plans and projects using crystal growing kits tailored for specific learning objectives and grade levels. Student-grown crystals also make exciting science fair projects!
Creative Uses for Grown Crystals
Beyond education, there are endless creative uses for the crystals you can grow at home:
- Create rainbow crystal gardens in jars or terrariums
- Make jewelry, candle holders, bookends, or decor items from large crystals
- Use small crystals as embellishments on greeting cards or crafts
- Make DIY stress balls by embedding crystals in orbeez beads
- Create abstract art pieces using crystal formations
- Give grown crystals as gifts like birthstone jewelry
- Use glow crystals to make nightlights or magic wands for kids
- Make DIY geodes by cracking open fast-growing crystals
Your crystal-growing hobby can lead to all kinds of fun projects once you have a stash of sparkling crystals!
Conducting Crystal Growing Experiments
Crystal grow kits allow tweaking variables in real science experiments:
- Try growing crystals in different temperatures – warm vs. cold areas.
- Adjust saturation levels of the chemical solution.
- Use pure water vs. tap water containing minerals.
- Add food coloring or glitter to grow rainbow or confetti crystals.
- Use different types of seed crystals.
- Disturb the solution daily vs. leaving it undisturbed.
- Contaminate the solution with table salt or other chemicals.
Keep a journal while conducting experiments to log observations and analyze results. Crystal experiments teach the scientific method and the importance of controlling variables when testing a hypothesis.
Healing Crystals Grown at Home
Many believe natural crystals have healing properties that can restore balance to the mind and body. While links to crystal therapy are unproven, people still use crystals for relaxation, meditation, and spiritual practices.
The placebo effect can provide real benefits to believers. Grown crystals may not be as “mystical” as ancient natural stones, but kits provide an affordable way to experience crystal energy and rituals using your own creations.
Final Thoughts
Crystal growing kits are fun educational toys that provide real hands-on science learning for children and adults alike. While not identical to natural crystals, the formations created using seed germs and chemical solutions demonstrate the underlying science of crystallization in an easy, accessible way.
Growing beautiful, sparkling crystals is rewarding for all ages and can lead to creative projects, experiments, and admiration of natural scientific processes. So try out a crystal growing kit today to enjoy the magical world of crystallization in your own home!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best crystal grow kit for beginners?
The best crystal grow kit for beginners is the National Geographic Crystal Growing Lab. It’s designed for ages 8+ and grows 7 different crystal types. The materials are high quality and it includes fun extras like volcano effects. The instructions walk you through the process step-by-step.
How long does it take crystals to grow from a kit?
It typically takes 1-7 days for crystals to fully grow from a kit. Fast-growing kits may produce crystals overnight. More advanced kits with large crystals can take 1-2 weeks. Have patience and allow the crystals time to properly form their lattice structure.
Can you grow your own quartz crystals?
Most kits don’t allow the growing clear quartz crystals at home. However it is possible to grow manmade crystal formations with a process called hydrothermal synthesis. This mimics the high temperature and pressure conditions that create natural quartz crystals underground. Expect to pay more for advanced hydrothermal crystal growing setups.
What are the best crystals for kids to grow?
The best crystals for kids to grow are copper sulfate (grows blue crystals), potassium alum (grows white/clear crystals), and Epsom salt (grows white crystals). These materials are affordable and safe for children to handle with supervision from parents. They produce beautiful crystals within days.
Are crystals from kits real?
Yes, the crystals grown from science kits are real, naturally formed crystal lattice structures. The kits contain real mineral compounds like copper sulfate or potassium alum that crystallize when saturated. The crystals may form more quickly than natural geodes, but the basic physical process is the same. So they are genuine crystals, just created under artificial conditions.