Crystal growing kits can provide hours of educational entertainment and fascination with science and nature. This beginner’s guide will explore the world of crystal growing kit accessories – from essential elements like seed crystals and chemical powders to fun add-ons like magnifying glasses and display stands. Read on to learn everything you need to maximize your crystal growing experience.
What Are Crystal Growing Kits?
A crystal growing kit allows you to easily grow your own crystals at home. The kits come with all the materials you need, like a crystal growth chamber, mineral salt powders, seed crystals, and detailed instructions.
Crystal growing kits are popular STEM toys that teach kids about:
- Chemistry – How the molecules arrange themselves into ordered structures
- Physics – Concepts like molecular bonds and crystalline shapes
- Geology – The processes that form crystals and minerals underground
- Patience – It can take hours, days, or weeks for the crystals to fully form
Growing colorful crystals is an engaging way to introduce children to science topics in a hands-on manner. The kits provide a safe, educational activity you can do together as a family.
Essential Crystal Growing Kit Accessories
While basic crystal growing kits will contain the core components, there are some additional accessories that can enhance the experience. Here are the top recommended accessories for beginner crystal growing.
Crystal Powders
The mineral salt crystal powders are what provides the actual molecules that crystallize into solid structures. Common compounds used include:
- Alum powder – Forms octahedral crystals
- Copper sulfate – Grows blue crystals
- Borax – Creates cloudy white crystals
For variety, look for a kit or powder set with different colors and shapes. Mixing powders can yield unique colors and patterns too.
Top Crystal Powders:
- Crayola Crystal Effects Powder Packs
- Amazing Science! Experiment Crystal Lab Kit
- GeoCentral Rainbow Crystal Growing Lab
Seed Crystals
The tiny seed crystals act as a starter point for the crystalline structure to attach itself and grow larger. Kits will come with a small vial of uniform seed crystals. For best results, look for monocrystalline or single crystalline seeds.
Some advanced kits will contain seeds of different shapes like cubes or pyramids to influence the final crystal structure.
Good Seed Crystal Options:
- Creativity for Kids Color Crystal Clusters
- Faber-Castell CUBECO Colored Crystal Globs
- Thames & Kosmos Crystal Growing Experiment Kit
Crystal seeds come in many shapes and sizes
Crystal Growth Chamber
This is the container where the chemical reaction takes place. The chambers allow air flow for evaporation but are a closed environment to allow large crystals to develop. Look for chambers made of plastic or glass with a larger bottom to encourage downward growth.
For safety, avoid lead crystal glass which can leach lead into experiments. Opt for a durable clear plastic chamber that you can easily observe the crystals forming.
Recommended Crystal Growth Chambers:
- Creativity for Kids Crystal Growing Chamber
- GeoCentral 6-cup Crystal Growth Chamber
- My First Lab Duo Crystal Growing Kit
Magnifying Glass
A good magnifying glass lets you inspect the crystals up close as they form and after they fully develop. Look for kid-safe plastic magnifiers around 10x zoom so you can see the intricate crystalline structures.
Quality Magnifiers:
- Carson MicroBrite Plus 60x Illuminated Pocket Magnifier
- Illuminated Jeweler’s Loupe 30x with LED Light
- KEDSUM 60X Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe
Display Stand
Once your crystals are finished growing, you’ll want to show them off. Display stands let you neatly arrange the crystals for long-term safekeeping and decoration. Look for clear plastic stands with multiple slots to proudly exhibit your creations.
Top Display Options:
- Whitmor Clear Acrylic Crystal Collection Display Shelf
- Large Acrylic Specimen Display Case Cabinet
- JOYIN Crystal Specimen Display Box
Display stands safely showcase grown crystals
Fun Crystal Growing Accessories
Beyond the basics, there are a variety of add-ons that can make your crystal growing experience more interesting and educational for kids.
Colored Powders
Instead of clear crystals, colored crystal powder mixes create vibrant, rainbow-hued crystals. These are created by adding mineral salts with traces of metals that provide color – like copper, cobalt, and chromium.
Popular colored crystal powder packs include:
- 4M Crystal Science Giant Rainbow Lab
- Crayola Mega Crystal Lab Color Crystals
- National Geographic Crystal Growing Lab
Colored powders form brilliant rainbow crystals
Tweezers
Tweezers help you carefully handle seed crystals as you place them in the growth solution. Opt for anti-static, stainless steel tweezers with fine precision tips.
Hot Plate
Some crystals require a hot water bath to fully dissolve the powders. A portable hot plate allows you to gently heat solutions to the ideal temperature for crystal growth.
Look for a durable hot plate with adjustable temperature controls. Use only with close adult supervision to avoid burns.
Science Posters
Science poster sets illustrate concepts like molecular geometry, the periodic table, and the chemical makeup of minerals. These can reinforce the science behind the crystal formation.
eBooks
Digital ebooks can provide extra science instruction and crystal growing guides. Look for age-appropriate ebooks that align to school curriculum.
Best Practices for Beginner Crystal Growing
Follow these tips to get the most out of your crystal growing kit experiments:
- Carefully read all instructions before starting
- Use distilled or filtered water for optimal results
- Gently stir powders and solutions with a plastic spoon
- Find an area with minimal vibrations for undisturbed growth
- Avoid touching seed crystals and growth chamber
- Be patient – crystals can take 1-2 weeks to fully form
- Keep detailed notes in a science journal
- Take lots of photos during the growth process
Growing beautiful crystals requires careful work – but the payoff is an amazing education in chemistry, physics and the wonder of natural science.
Recommended Beginner Crystal Growing Kits
Here are the top-rated crystal growing kits for beginners based on quality, value, and ease of use:
Best Overall: National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Lab
- Full rainbow crystal kit with 8 color powder mixes
- Includes display case and growing guide
- Grows up to 400 crystals
- Good for ages 8+
- $34.99 on Amazon
Best Budget Pick: 4M Crystal Growing Kit
- Basic crystal lab with 2 powder types
- Includes growing chamber and magnifier
- Grows up to 150 crystals
- Great for ages 5+
- $14.99 at Walmart
Best Crystal Variety: Toysmith Crystal Kaleidoscope Lab
- Grows blue, purple, and clear crystals
- Produces crystals in spheres, spikes and clusters
- Comes with display case
- Amazing gift idea for kids ages 10+
- $26.95 on Toysmith.com
Best Features: Thames & Kosmos Crystal Science Crystals lab
- 15 experiments with 7 crystal types
- Advanced seed varieties like cubes and pyramids
- Complete 96-page manual
- Ideal for ages 10+
- $39.99 on Amazon
Easiest Setup: Creativity for Kids Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium
- Just add water, no powders needed
- Cool glow-in-the-dark feature
- Comes in cute mason jar
- Perfect for ages 6+
- $14.97 at Walmart
The Magic of Growing Your Own Crystals
Crystal growing kits open up a world of hands-on science education and fun. With the essential equipment like quality powders, seeds, and chambers, you’re ready for an enlightening, magical experience. Add accessories like magnifiers, hot plates, and colored crystal mixes to take your crystal experiments to the next level.
Use this beginner’s guide to pick the ideal crystal growing kit and enhancements. Then get ready for a mesmerizing journey into natural science and chemistry as you grow your own amazing crystals!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take crystals to form?
The crystal growing process varies, but allow 1-2 weeks for full formation. Larger crystals may take longer. Patience is key!
What are the best crystal powders to buy?
Quality options include Crayola Crystal Effects, Amazing Science Experiment Crystal Lab Kit, and GeoCentral Rainbow Crystal Lab. Look for variety and vibrant colors.
Can you grow crystals without a kit?
Yes, with some simple household materials like borax, pipe cleaners, and jars you can grow crystals at home without a full kit. But kits provide the best results.
Is it safe for kids to do crystal growing experiments?
With proper adult supervision, crystal growing provides a safe, educational STEM activity for kids 8+. Follow instructions carefully.
What makes the best crystal growing chamber?
Look for clear plastic or glass chambers with a large base, ventilation, and leak-proof seal. Avoid lead crystal glass when growing crystals.
The Magic of Growing Your Own Crystals
Crystal growing kits open up a world of hands-on science education and fun. With the essential equipment like quality powders, seeds, and chambers, you’re ready for an enlightening, magical experience. Add accessories like magnifiers, hot plates, and colored crystal mixes to take your crystal experiments to the next level.
Use this beginner’s guide to pick the ideal crystal growing kit and enhancements. Then get ready for a mesmerizing journey into natural science and chemistry as you grow your own amazing crystals!