A Beginner’s Guide to Crystal Growing Kit Blogs and Websites

Have you ever wanted to grow your own crystals at home? Crystal growing kits provide an easy and fun way for both kids and adults to explore the fascinating world of crystals. With a crystal growing kit, you can grow beautiful and unique crystals with just a few simple materials.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the world of crystal growing kits – from the history of these kits to how they work, the best kits to buy, experiments you can try, and much more. Whether you’re looking for an educational STEM activity or just want to grow stunning crystals for your own enjoyment, this guide will provide everything you need to get started.

A Brief History of Crystal Growing Kits

Crystal growing has been around for centuries, but crystal growing kits designed for educational entertainment first became popular in the 1960s. The early kits used simple materials like pipe cleaners and borax to grow crystals over a few days.

As interest grew, companies began developing more advanced kits. In the 1990s, crystal growing kits exploded in popularity as toys and educational tools. New technology allowed for the cultivation of more complex crystals in realistic geode shapes.

Today, crystal growing kits use safe, non-toxic materials to grow a rainbow of different crystal types. They remain popular educational STEM toys as well as novelty gifts and decorations. The crystal growing kit market continues to innovate with kits for specific ages and skill levels.

Types of Crystal Growing Kits

There are crystal growing kits available for all ages and skill levels. Here are some of the most common types:

  • Basic kits – These starter crystal growing kits are great for younger kids or beginners. They use borax or alum to grow basic shapes like cubes or spikes.
  • Advanced kits – For more experienced crystal growers, these kits grow more complex crystals using materials like copper sulfate or Epsom salt.
  • Subject-specific kits – Grow geological crystals, make chemical gardens, or demonstrate physics concepts with kits tailored to specific science subjects.
  • Age-appropriate kits – Many kits are designed for specific age groups, with materials and instructions suitable for kids as young as 3 years old up through adulthood.
  • Jewelry kits – Grow your own crystal jewelry like necklaces, keychains, and more. These kits produce smaller crystals.
  • Display kits – Grow crystals within decorative displays like geodes, skulls, aquariums, or terrariums for stunning home decor.

How Do Crystal Growing Kits Work?

Crystal growing kits work by creating a “super saturated” chemical solution. This means the solution contains more dissolved particles than it can normally hold. As the solution reaches optimal conditions, the excess particles are deposited on the “seed” crystal, causing crystals to slowly grow.

Here is an overview of the basic crystal growing process:

  • Add your crystal growing solution (water + chemical powder) to a jar.
  • Suspend a “seed” crystal in the solution using a piece of string or glass. This gives the crystals something to form around.
  • Over days or weeks, crystals will slowly grow on the seed as solution particles attach.
  • Once fully grown, remove the crystals from solution and admire their unique shapes and colors!
  • Drain and dispose of any remaining solution safely.

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Crystal growing kit instructions. Image via The Science Company

The specific growth time and materials will vary for each kit. But this general process allows even beginners to easily grow gorgeous crystals at home!

The Benefits of Crystal Growing Kits

Beyond just producing beautiful crystals, crystal growing kits offer many benefits including:

Educational Benefits

  • Learn about chemistry, physics, geometry, and the nature of matter.
  • Develop skills in following multi-step instructions.
  • Discover how crystals form in nature and their unique molecular structures.
  • Introduces STEM concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.

Cognitive Benefits

  • Promotes spatial intelligence and visual learning.
  • Encourages creative problem solving skills.
  • Allows open-ended exploration and discovery.

Social Benefits

  • Fun for family activities and parent-child bonding.
  • Foster teamwork when working in groups.
  • Share crystal growing as a creative hobby or science fair project.

So crystal growing kits make great educational toys for classrooms and homeschooling while providing a screen-free activity the whole family can enjoy together.

The Best Crystal Growing Kits

There are hundreds of crystal growing kits to choose from. Here are some of the top-rated and best-selling kits:

For Beginners

  • National Geographic Break-Open Geodes – Grow crystals in egg-shaped geodes. Just place the “eggs” in water to grow amethyst or crystal clusters. Great for ages 8+. Under $20.
  • 4M Crystal Growing Experiment – This best-selling kit includes real gemstones and grows six colorful crystal spikes. Recommended for ages 10+. Under $20.
  • GeoCentral Glow in the Dark Crystals – Grow fluorescent crystals that glow under UV light. Includes display stand. Best for ages 6+. Under $25.

For Advanced Growers

  • Home Science Tools Crystal Creator – Grow alum and copper sulfate crystals up to 3-4 inches long. For ages 10+ Under $35.
  • Melissa & Doug Crystal family – Grow blue copper sulfate crystals and make your own crystal family. For ages 8+ Under $25.
  • Fizzics Crystal Lab – Grow up to 5 different crystal types in display cases. Advanced kit for ages 12+. Under $60.

Display Kits

  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Break-Open Geodes Kit – Crack open geode eggshells to uncover amethyst crystal clusters. Just $15.
  • MindWare Crystal Clusters – Grow colorful salts in a decorative glass terrarium. For ages 8+. $30.
  • DIY Crystal Garden Aquarium – Grow crystal “sea creatures” in a miniature aquatic habitat. For ages 6+. $25.

Jewelry Kits

  • Faber-Castell Crystal Necklace Kit – Grow your own sparkly crystal pendant. For ages 10+. Under $20.
  • Creativity for Kids Grow ‘n Glow Crystals – Grow glow-in-the-dark crystal keychains. Best for ages 6+. Under $15.
  • ** Alex Toys Ooh La La Flask Charm** – Make a beaded crystal bracelet with interchangeable charms. For ages 8+. $20.

Reviews of the Best Crystal Growing Kits

To help you choose the right crystal growing kit, here are more in-depth reviews of some of the top options:

National Geographic Break-Open Geodes

  • Pros: Grows gorgeous amethyst crystal clusters, affordable price, fun to break open shells.
  • Cons: Geode shells can sometimes break while growing.
  • Best for: Kids and adults who want to grow realistic geode specimens. Easy enough for beginners.

4M Crystal Growing Experiment

  • Pros: Grows 6 rainbow-colored crystal spikes, very beginner-friendly.
  • Cons: Smaller crystals than some other kits.
  • Best for Ages 5-10 for an easy first crystal growing experience.

Home Science Tools Crystal Creator

  • Pros: Grows large and impressive crystals, includes copper and alum powder, teaches advanced chemistry.
  • Cons: Can be tricky for first-time growers, and expensive.
  • Best for: Older kids looking for a challenging crystal growing kit. Supervise use.

Fizzics Crystal Lab

  • Pros: Grow 5 crystal types in beautiful displays, very “scientific” experience.
  • Cons: Advanced kit with small pieces, high price tag.
  • Best for: Older kids with an existing interest in chemistry and geology. Supervise use.

Fun Crystal Growing Experiments and Projects

Crystal growing kits aren’t just static displays. There are tons of fun experiments you can try:

  • Test how temperature affects crystal growth by growing crystals in hot and cold water.
  • See how crystal size changes by using different size seed crystals.
  • Grow two types of crystals on one string to make mixed specimens.
  • Add food coloring to the solution to tint clear crystals.
  • Use a magnifying glass to observe the crystals closely as they grow.
  • Time how long it takes crystals to fully form in different conditions.
  • Photograph and sketch your crystals at each stage of growth to document the changes.

Crystal growing projects also make exciting science fair ideas:

  • Test which household solids grow the biggest/best quality crystals.
  • Engineer a crystal growing contraption using innovative materials.
  • Demonstrate how crystals form by making a 3D crystal formation model.
  • Research how geodes develop underground with crystal formations inside.

Troubleshooting Crystal Growing Kits

Crystal growing kits are designed to make crystal formation easy, but sometimes problems can occur:

Crystals won’t grow:

  • Ensure you fully dissolved the powder in hot water first. Don’t add powder directly to cold water.
  • Make sure no drafts or vibrations are disturbing the solution as crystals form.
  • Verify the water temperature is between 60-75°F. Extreme temps prevent growth.
  • Replace the string and seed crystal if they have any salt buildup.
  • Use distilled water for best results. Tap water minerals can inhibit growth.

Crystals are small/poorly shaped:

  • Try a fresh seed crystal without salt buildup.
  • Make sure the jar lid is loosened to allow vapor exchange.
  • Avoid moving or jostling the jar while crystals are growing.
  • Add more powder to increase the solution’s super saturation.
  • Verify your water temperature is optimal.

Crystals growing on sides/bottom:

  • Make sure seed crystal is hanging down into solution and fully submerged.
  • Switch to a narrower jar so the seed crystal is centered.
  • Invert the solution periodically to discourage uneven growth.
  • Scrub off any crystals growing in incorrect areas.

Crystal Growing Safety Tips

While crystal growing kits use mild chemicals and are generally safe, adults should always supervise young children. Follow these basic safety guidelines:

  • Read and follow all kit instructions carefully.
  • Do not ingest crystal growing chemicals or solutions.
  • Avoid contact between chemicals and skin/eyes.
  • Do not dispose of crystal growing solution down the drain. Check disposal instructions.
  • Always wash hands thoroughly after handling crystal growing materials.
  • Store kits safely out of reach of pets and very young children.
  • Use kits in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area.
  • Have an adult help with any glass handling or pouring of solutions.

Go-To Resources for Crystal Growing Enthusiasts

Once you’ve caught the crystal growing bug, here are some helpful resources to continue exploring the hobby:

Websites

Books

  • The Complete Book of Crystal Growing by Alan Hirshfeld
  • Crystals and Crystal Growing for Children by Alan Holden
  • Crystal & Gem by Dr. Robert Simmons

YouTube Channels

Final Thoughts

Growing gorgeous crystals at home is easier than you think with beginner-friendly crystal growing kits. Not only are these kits mesmerizing to observe, but they allow you to learn about chemistry and physics in a hands-on way. Crystal growing makes a fantastic educational STEM activity or science fair project for students of all ages. Get the whole family involved and turn crystal formation into a fun bonding experience.

There are kits suited for every age and skill level. Follow the instructions carefully and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Soon you’ll have stunning creations to admire for their natural symmetry and beauty. What are you waiting for? Grab a crystal growing kit today and dive into this magical hobby!

References

[1] https://sciencecompany.com/Crystal-Growing-Kits-C672.aspx

[2] https://www.kiwico.com/diy/Science-Projects-for-Kids/2/project/Crystal-Climbers/2867

[3] https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Mega-Crystal-Growing/dp/B071VSNFS2/

[4] https://www.mindware.orientaltrading.com/crystal-clusters-a2-81_1237.fltr

[5] http://www.madehow.com/Volume-7/Crystal-Growing-Kit.html

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGg6XmDFTao

[7] https://www.exploratorium.edu/crystallization/safety-tips

Frequently Asked Crystal Growing Questions

If you’re feeling uncertain about starting crystal growing, here are answers to some common beginner questions:

Are crystal growing kits safe?

Crystal growing kits designed for home use utilize mild, non-toxic chemicals like borax, alum, and salt. But adult supervision is still recommended, especially for younger children.

How long does it take crystals to form?

Growth times range from 1 week to 8 weeks depending on crystal type, temperature, and other factors. Most kits will provide timelines. Patience is key!

What is the best temperature to grow crystals?

The ideal crystal growing temperature is 60-75°F. Avoid extreme cold or hot temperatures. The kit instructions will specify the optimal temperature.

What happens if crystals stop growing?

If growth stalls, try replacing the string and seed crystal. Make sure temperatures are in range and no vibrations are disturbing the solution. You can also add more powder to supersaturate the solution.

Can you speed up crystal growth?

Growing crystals faster reduces quality. However, using warmer temperatures (under 100°F) will hasten growth somewhat. Agitating the solution can also accelerate growth.

Why are my crystals so small?

Small crystals are usually caused by rapid growth, disturbances, or low supersaturation. Try slowing growth, keeping perfectly still, and adding more crystal powder to potentially grow larger crystals.

Where can I buy a good beginner crystal growing kit?

Some top beginner crystal growing kits are the National Geographic Break-Open Geodes, 4M Crystal Growing Experiment, and GeoCentral Glow in the Dark Crystals. These kits cost under $25 and are great for ages 5-12. You can find them online at Amazon, specialty toy stores, or science supply sites.

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