Skip to content
Plants And Lights

Plants And Lights

September 27, 2023October 15, 2023

A Beginner’s Guide to Crystal Growing Kit Accessories

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.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • What Are Crystal Growing Kits?
  • Essential Crystal Growing Kit Accessories
    • Crystal Powders
    • Seed Crystals
    • Crystal Growth Chamber
    • Magnifying Glass
    • Display Stand
  • Fun Crystal Growing Accessories
    • Colored Powders
    • Tweezers
    • Hot Plate
    • Science Posters
    • eBooks
  • Best Practices for Beginner Crystal Growing
  • Recommended Beginner Crystal Growing Kits
  • The Magic of Growing Your Own Crystals
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How long does it take crystals to form?
    • What are the best crystal powders to buy?
    • Can you grow crystals without a kit?
    • Is it safe for kids to do crystal growing experiments?
    • What makes the best crystal growing chamber?
  • The Magic of Growing Your Own Crystals

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.

See also  How to Build a Straw Rocket Launcher With a Pressure Release Valve

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.

See also  Is Making Borax Crystals Safe?

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.

See also  How to Create a Galaxy-themed Painting With Acrylics or Watercolors

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!

STEM Projects

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Recent Posts

  • Eco-Friendly Science Toys for Aspiring Climate Experts
  • Science Toys for Future Aerospace Careers Kids Love
  • Best STEM Toys for Aspiring Geologists
  • Science Toys for Aspiring Veterinarians Guide
  • Marine Biology Inspired Science Toys for Kids

Recent Comments

No comments to show.

Archives

  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017

Categories

  • Educational Space Toys
  • Model Building
  • Space
  • Space Toys
  • STEM Projects
  • Uncategorized
©2025 Plants And Lights | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes