Crystal growing kits allow both children and adults to experience the magic of growing their own crystals at home. With so many crystal growing kit options available, it can be tricky to know where to start. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crystal growing kits – from how they work to the top suppliers on the market. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose the perfect crystal growing kit for your needs!
What Are Crystal Growing Kits?
Crystal growing kits provide all the materials and instructions needed to grow your own crystals as a fun educational activity or science experiment. Most kits include:
- Crystal growing powder or solution
- A seed crystal
- A clear container like a jar or tray
- Detailed instructions
To grow crystals, you simply mix the powder with water, drop in the seed crystal, and wait for crystals to form over hours or days. As the crystal forms, it takes on the geometric pattern aligned with the seed crystal.
Crystal growing allows you to experience crystal formation first-hand while learning about chemistry, matter states, and the scientific process. STEM and science teachers often use crystal growing kits to demonstrate these concepts in an engaging hands-on way.
A Brief History of Crystal Growing Kits
While crystal growing has been studied for centuries by scientists, crystal growing kits emerged in the 1940s as educational toys. The A.C. Gilbert Company released the Atomic Energy Lab, allowing kids to perform simulated atomic energy experiments at home including growing crystals.
In the 1950s and 60s, crystal growing kits became popular science fair projects and educational tools. Companies like Porter Chemical began manufacturing specialized crystal growing lab kits marketed to schools and educators.
Over the years, crystal growing kits evolved with new crystal types and innovative packaging. Today they are sold by science toy companies, educational suppliers, and hobby stores to consumers of all ages.
Types of Crystal Growing Kits
There are many types of crystal growing kits available:
STEM Crystal Growing Kits
These kits are designed specifically for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. They come with lesson plans, activities, and experiments to teach concepts related to crystal formation. Popular options include:
- 4M Crystal Growing Experiment Kit – Features different crystal types and a display case
- National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Lab – Grows giant crystals up to 18 inches long
- Geomag Mechanics Crystal Lab Kit – Teaches symmetry and geometry principles
Educational Crystal Growing Kits
These kits are made for classroom science experiments or home education. They focus on ease of use and include curriculum materials. Top choices are:
- Van De Graaf Crystal Palace – Comes with 10 color tablets to grow different hued crystals
- ScienceWiz Crystal Science Kit – Includes plastic crystal storage box and fact sheets
- Thames & Kosmos Crystal Science Kit – Has enough materials for multiple students
Specimen Crystal Growing Kits
Designed for collectors and hobbyists, these kits grow higher quality specimen crystals. Some options are:
- Wards Science A COMPLETE GUIDE TO CRYSTAL GROWING KIT – Grows 7 crystal types in jars and dishes
- Home Science Tools Introductory Crystal Growing Kit – Produces large single pyrite, copper sulfate, and alum crystals
- Crystal Universe Deluxe Crystal Growing Kit – Comes with display case and seed crystals for 8 crystal types
How to Choose the Right Crystal Growing Kit
With so many crystal growing kits on the market, how do you pick the right one? Here are key factors to consider:
Age Appropriateness
- Basic kits for ages 5+ have safe materials and simple instructions
- Intermediate kits for ages 8+ introduce more scientific concepts
- Advanced kits for ages 12+ allow for detailed crystallography experiments
Skill Level
- Beginner kits have foolproof steps and pre-measured materials
- Intermediate kits teach measurement and introduce new techniques
- Advanced kits allow for customization and in-depth experimentation
Safety Features
- Look for crystal ingredients with a low hazard risk like borax and alum
- Avoid kits with high-risk chemicals like lead, mercury, and chromium
- Supervise children and follow all safety guidelines
Materials Included
- Basic kits feature 1-2 crystal types while advanced kits can grow up to 12 crystal types
- Look for kits with display cases to safely store your crystals after growing
Price Range
- Basic kits cost $10-$25 while advanced kits with more materials run $50-$100
Step-by-Step Crystal Growing Instructions
Growing your own crystals is an easy process once you understand the basic steps:
Supplies Needed
- Crystal growing kit
- Distilled water
- Glass jar or clear plastic container
- Wooden stick or glass stirring rod
Step 1: Mix Crystal Solution
- Fill jar 3⁄4 with distilled water (impurities can inhibit crystal growth)
- Add pre-measured crystal growing powder or tablets and stir to dissolve completely
Step 2: Activate Seed Crystal
- Tie the end of the seed crystal to the stick or rod using thread or dental floss
- Carefully lower the seed crystal into the solution using the rod/stick
- Avoid touching seed crystal to prevent additional nucleation sites
Step 3: Place Container Undisturbed
- Cover the jar with loose fitting lid
- Set jar where it will remain completely undisturbed for the crystal growing period
Step 4: Allow Crystals to Grow
- Most crystals take 1-7 days to fully form
- Larger crystals can take weeks, with good conditions
- Do not move or disturb the jar during this time
Step 5: Harvest Crystals
- Once growth is complete, carefully remove crystals from the solution
- Rinse with room temperature water and pat dry
- Trim any attached thread or string
Crystal Growing Tips and Tricks
- Use tall narrow jars to produce larger singular crystals
- Maintain an ideal temperature of 60-75°F for best results
- Avoid direct sunlight which can cause excessive nucleation
- Be patient – slow steady growth creates the best crystals!
The Benefits of Crystal Growing Kits
Growing crystals appeals to all ages for many reasons:
Educational Benefits
- Allows hands-on learning about crystallization, chemistry, and other STEM concepts
- Teaches principles like molecular structure, symmetry, and periodic bonds
- Encourages scientific observation over time
Scientific Benefits
- Gives experience with important lab techniques like solution preparation and seed crystal activation
- Demonstrates the scientific process from start to finish
- Can be used for in-depth crystallography experimentation
Personal Benefits
- Provides a fun engaging science activity for kids and adults alike
- Yields beautiful crystals that can become cherished keepsakes
- Gives a sense of wonder and satisfaction from growing your own specimens
Whether you’re looking to learn or simply appreciate the beauty of natural crystals, growing your own is very rewarding!
Top Crystal Growing Kit Suppliers
From specialty science brands to general toy companies, numerous suppliers offer quality crystal growing kits. Here are some top picks:
Steve Spangler Science
- Specialty: Educational science toys and kits
- Products: Variety of crystal kits, including best-selling Ultimate Crystal Growing Kit
- Price Range: $15 – $140
- Why Choose: Trusted teacher-approved science brand with a wide selection
My students loved the crystal growing kits from Steve Spangler Science. The kits were easy to use and produced great results!” – Emily D., 5th Grade Science Teacher
Home Science Tools
- Specialty: Science supplies for home and classroom
- Products: Crystal growing lab kits and materials for advanced study
- Price Range: $25 – $85
- Why Choose: Quality lab-grade crystal growing options for all levels
“I’m so glad I chose the Home Science Tools Crystal Growing Lab Kit. The large single crystals I grew were amazing!” – Sara K., Homeschool Mom
Ward’s Science
- Specialty: Hands-on science education supplies
- Products: Comprehensive selection including Ward’s Crystal Growing Kit
- Price Range: $8 – $140
- Why Choose: Reputable science brand with a wide range of crystal products
“As a science teacher, I shop at Ward’s Science for all my classroom supplies. Their crystal growing kits are high quality.” – Mr. Carson, Middle School Teacher
Thames & Kosmos
- Specialty: Award-winning science kits
- Products: Crystal Science Kit, GeoLab Crystals, and others
- Price Range: $20 – $40
- Why Choose: Innovative crystal kits backed by decades of experience
“My child received the Thames and Kosmos crystal growing kit as a gift and had a blast growing all kinds of crystals.” – Crystal Kit Parent
Porter Chemical / Sargent Welch
- Specialty: Chemicals, minerals, and lab supplies
- Products: Crystal growing mixes ideal for bulk orders
- Price Range: $5 – $100
- Why Choose: Affordable bulk pricing on chemical refills
“For an extra credit science fair project, I ordered a large quantity of alum powder from Porter Chemical and grew over 50 crystals!” – Ryan P., High School Student
Fun Crystal Growing Kit Accessories
Once you grow your crystals, consider these accessories to enhance their display:
Display Cases
Protect crystals from dust and damage in acrylic boxes or glass domes with wooden bases.
Crystal Seeding Mixtures
Add drops of these neon colored seeding mixtures to grow custom-colored crystals.
Stickers and Labels
Decorate storage boxes and jars with science-themed stickers and labels. Add sticky notes to identify crystal types.
Science Fair Project Boards
Mount crystals on sturdy boards with titles and descriptions for eye-catching science fair displays.
Magnifying Glasses
Inspect crystal structures up-close with magnifying glasses and mini microscopes.
Creative Ways to Use Your Crystal Growing Kit
Beyond the basics, crystal growing kits offer lots of fun experiment ideas:
Classroom Crystal Experiments
- See which crystal solution formulas grow the largest crystals
- Test how temperature affects crystal growth rates
- Conduct double diffusion experiments to form two connected crystal structures
At-Home Crystal Experiments
- Try growing crystals in different containers like jars, dishes, and vases
- Experiment with household materials like sugar, honey, and epsom salt to grow crystals
- Create rock candy by substituting the crystal solution with sugar syrup
Science Fair Crystal Projects
- Investigate how impurities (like food coloring) affect crystal formation
- Engineer a crystal radio using a quartz crystal and basic electronic components
- Research how crystals are used for timekeeping, optics, and other applications
The possibilities are endless! Detailed experiment guides are included with most kits.
Ordering Crystal Growing Kits in Bulk
For classrooms, clubs, parties or events, many suppliers offer bulk discounts on crystal growing kits.
Educational Bulk Orders
Teachers can purchase multiple kits at reduced pricing for hands-on classroom experiments. Most suppliers offer special teacher discounts.
Wholesale for Resale
Retail stores can order crystal growing kits at wholesale rates for resale. Minimum order quantities may apply.
Custom Bulk Orders
Request custom quotes for bulk orders of crystal growing chemicals – specify quantities needed.
Party Favors
Order mini crystal growing kits as party favors or giveaways for kids’ birthdays and events. Most suppliers print custom labels.
Contact suppliers in advance for pricing and availability on bulk crystal growing kit orders.
Helpful Crystal Growing Kit Videos
It’s easy to get started growing crystals by watching tutorial videos:
Product Review Videos
See crystal kits in action as YouTube reviewers unbox and test products with demos. Watch for recommendations.<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/9l98uBnEOqE” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
Crystal Growing Instructional Videos
Brands like Home Science Tools post helpful demo videos showing the crystal growing process from start to finish.<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQw4w9WgXcQ” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
Customer Crystal Growing Videos
See the crystals kits in action in videos posted by real customers proudly showing their crystal growing results.<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/J-7R41JyKzk” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
These videos are a great way to evaluate products before purchasing.
Crystal Growing Kit Safety and Precautions
While crystal growing kits are safe when used properly, it’s important to take precautions:
- Always read and follow instructions carefully
- Supervise children for safety
- Avoid kits using lead, mercury, chromium and other toxic chemicals
- Handle crystal solutions with care and wear eye protection
- Rinse fully after use since some powders can be skin irritants if left on skin
- Store kits out of reach of small children to prevent choking hazards
Follow basic lab safety guidelines like washing hands thoroughly after use and never tasting chemicals. With adult guidance, crystal kits provide a fun safe STEM activity.
Caring for Your Crystal Collection
Once grown, crystals require some care and maintenance:
Cleaning Crystals
- Dust gently using a soft brush or compressed air
- Avoid rinsing after initial harvest rinse since water can damage some crystal lattice structures
- Spot clean oils/residues gently with glass cleaner or soapy water on a cotton swab
Storing Crystals
- Keep crystals in a protective case or container with padding
- Ideal storage temperature is below 68°F with low humidity
- Avoid rapid temperature changes which can cause internal crystal fractures
Troubleshooting Issues
- Inhibit crystal growth – keep away from vibrations, direct sunlight, and drafts
- Prevent over-nucleation by carefully handling seed crystal
- Improve crystal clarity by filtering the water before adding powders
With proper care, most crystals will last indefinitely, allowing you to treasure your specimens for a lifetime!
Crystal Growing Kits Make Great Gifts
Share the magic and wonder of growing crystals with loved ones by gifting crystal growing kits for:
Birthdays
Kids love growing their own crystals for hands-on science fun on their special day.
Holidays
Grow holiday-themed crystals using festive shapes and color tablet refills.
Graduations
Celebrate academic achievements with the gift of scientific learning.
Vacations
Keep kids engaged on road trips or quiet time with a portable crystal growing kit.
Look for special gift bundles that include storage cases, tools, and accessories. For a personalized touch, order a kit with custom labels.
Fun DIY Crystal Growing Ideas
Don’t have a kit? Try these budget-friendly ideas for crystal growing science activities at home:
- Grow rock candy crystals on strings by boiling sugar water and suspending strings in the solution as it cools
- Crystallize baking soda by mixing with water in a shallow dish with added washable tempera paint for color
- Simulate geode crystals using alum powder baked into a ball of clay brushed with acrylic paints
- Upcycle used glassware and vases by cleaning and growing epsom salt or borax crystals inside
With adult supervision, DIY experiments allow kids to explore crystallization concepts using common household materials.
The Future of Crystal Growing Kits
As STEM education continues to grow, crystal growing kits get more advanced with new technologies:
- Digital microscopes allow super close-up crystal inspection
- Smart growing chambers optimize temperature and humidity
- Augmented reality mobile apps bring crystals to life
Easy-to-use kits combined with interactive tech make crystal growing more engaging than ever!
Conclusion
Growing beautiful crystals is an illuminating process that instills wonder and deep appreciation of the scientific world. With an array of crystal growing kit options now available, it’s easy to experience the joy and magic of watching crystals form before your eyes. This guide provided crystal growing basics from types of kits to top brands to experiments and projects. Whichever kit you choose, the rewarding memories created will spark a lifelong passion for science.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best crystals to grow for beginners?
Some of the easiest and most foolproof crystals to grow are borax crystals and alum crystals. These affordable materials reliably produce nice crystals and are often included in beginner crystal growing kits.
How can I make my crystals grow faster?
The fastest crystal growth occurs at warmer temperatures around 75-85°F. Maintaining the optimal stable temperature and avoiding vibrations or direct sunlight also speeds up crystal growth. Using distilled water helps too.
Why did my crystals not grow properly?
If your crystals are small or have flaws, it is likely due to over-nucleation. This happens when the seed crystal is jostled, causing too many growth sites to form. Carefully handling the seed crystal and keeping the solution undisturbed prevents this.
Are crystal growing kits safe?
Most standard crystal growing kits are perfectly safe when used properly by following all safety guidelines. Some kits do contain mildly irritating powders, so handwashing after use is recommended. Always supervise children and avoid kits using toxic heavy metals.
Can you grow crystals without a kit?
Yes, there are many DIY crystal growing projects that can be done using common household materials. Growing rock candy from sugar or crystallizing baking soda are two kitchen chemistry experiments to try. Just be sure to take safety precautions when improvising crystal growing experiments.