Crystal growing kits are fascinating science toys that allow children and adults to learn about chemistry, physics, and mineralogy by growing their own crystals at home. While the initial kits come with everything you need to grow your first batch of crystals, you’ll eventually need to replenish the crystal-growing solution and seeds to repeat the experiment. That’s where crystal growing kit refills come in!
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about crystal growing kit refills, including:
- What are crystal growing kit refills and why are they useful
- How to choose the right refill kit
- Step-by-step instructions for using refills
- Safety precautions and first aid
- The educational benefits of crystal growing
- Creative ways to use crystals
- Best crystal growing kits for different ages
- Comparing refills for home and classroom use
- Going beyond basic kits for advanced crystal growing
Read on to learn all about crystal growing kit refills and how they can help educate and entertain both children and adults!
What Are Crystal Growing Kit Refills?
Crystal growing kits come with three main components:
- Crystal solution – This is a specially formulated liquid solution that contains dissolved minerals that will form the crystals.
- Seed crystals – These are tiny pieces or grains of crystal that act as a starting point for crystal growth.
- Growing container – This is the container or chamber where crystal growth occurs.
Once you’ve conducted the experiments in the original kit, the solution and seeds will be depleted. This is where refills come in – they provide fresh solutions and seeds so you can repeat crystal growing!
Benefits of crystal growing kit refills:
- Allow you to recreate and repeat crystal-growing experiments
- Much more economical than buying whole new kits
- Let you continue the educational entertainment of crystal-growing
- A fun way for kids to learn the scientific method
- Promote ongoing STEM learning and engagement
The Role of Crystal Growing Kits in Science Education
Growing crystals is an ideal way to get kids interested in science and teach core scientific concepts in a hands-on way. Some of the key educational benefits of crystal growing kits include:
- Understanding crystal structure and formation – By observing the crystals as they form, kids gain insight into geometry, lattice structures, and molecular bonding.
- Learning about chemistry – The interactions between the solution, solute, and solvent demonstrate basic principles of chemistry.
- Grasping physics concepts – The shape and rate of crystal growth ties into principles of physics like molecular attraction.
- Seeing variability and drawing conclusions – Kids can grow multiple batches and analyze differences in crystal size, shape, color, and quality.
- Conducting experiments – Crystal growing allows kids to learn the scientific method, controlling variables, and analyzing results.
Refills allow repeated experiments, reinforcing these science lessons multiple times. The visual, hands-on nature of crystal growing also keeps kids engaged and excited to learn.
The Crystal Growing Process
Before using your crystal growing kit refill, it helps to understand the basic science behind crystal formation. Here’s a quick overview:
- Crystals form when the molecules in a solution reach a high enough concentration to organize into an orderly, repeating 3D pattern known as a lattice structure.
- A seed crystal provides a starting point or foundation for this structured growth.
- Molecules from the supersaturated solution attach to the seed and each other, slowly adding layers to the crystal structure.
- Crystals grow best under stable, undisturbed conditions.
- The final shape and structure depends on factors like:
- Solute concentration
- Solvent purity
- Temperature
- Presence of impurities
- Common crystal shapes determined by molecular lattice include cubes, prisms, pyramids, octagons, and more.
Understanding these basic principles of crystallization will give you greater insight as you use your crystal growing kit refills.
Choosing the Right Crystal Growing Kit Refill
When it comes time to replenish your crystal growing supplies, you’ll want to select the right refill kit. Here are some factors to consider:
Type of Crystals
- Table salt – Sodium chloride, forms cubes
- Alum – Potassium aluminum sulfate, forms octahedrons
- Epsom salts – Magnesium sulfate, forms prisms
- Borax – Sodium borate, forms zig-zag sheets
Choose based on the shape and structure you want to grow. For example, borax crystals have a cool fibrous, snowflake-like pattern.
Size of Crystals
Kits produce small, medium, or large crystals. Larger crystals take longer to grow but are more dramatic.
Quantity of Solution
Refills come in different solution amounts, from 1-8 oz. Get more solutions for repeating experiments many times.
Additional Seeds
Refills with extra seed crystals allow you to grow multiple batches simultaneously.
Brand Reputation
Stick with crystal-growing brands known for quality, like The Science Source or Creativity for Kids.
Value
Compare kits to find the best deal based on the amount of solution, crystals, and accessories per price.
Skill Level
Beginner kits have clear instructions. Advanced kits allow more customization for seasoned crystal growers.
Top Crystal Growing Kit Refills
Based on quality, value, and versatility, here are my top picks for crystal growing kit refills:
The Science Source Crystal Growth Kit Refill
- 8 ounces of 2-component crystal solution
- Grows either alum or table salt crystals
- Comes with seed crystals
- Funnel and measuring scoop included
- Ideal for repeating experiments
Price: $14.99
Creativity for Kids Crystal Creations Refill
- 2-ounce vials of borax and alum solution
- Includes plastic growing chamber
- 20 assorted seed crystals
- All supplies for 10 experiments
- Great for gifts or parties
Price: $14.99
Steve Spangler Crystal Growing Lab Refill
- 2 x 8-ounce bottles of solution
- Grows blue alum and purple borax crystals
- 100 seeds total
- Measuring scoop
- Excellent value for money
Price: $15.99
Tedco Single Solution Crystal Refill
- 1 pound of crystal solution
- Grows 100+ large crystals
- Pro-quality for advanced crystal growers
- Grows impressive specimens!
Price: $44.95
How to Use Crystal Growing Kit Refills
Once you’ve selected your crystal growing kit refill, it’s easy to set up your experiments. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Assemble Tools
- Crystal solution
- Seed crystals
- Clean growing container
- Spoon for measuring/transferring solution
- Paper towels for spills
- Refill kit instructions
Prepare Solution
- Use a funnel to pour the solution into the container.
- Dilute or mix solutions if required by instructions.
- Fill to line marking in the container.
Add Seeds
- Place seed crystals in the bottom of the container spaced apart.
- 2-5 seeds are ideal depending on the size of the container.
Sit Back and Observe!
- Set the container in an area free from vibrations.
- Wait patiently as crystals begin to form within 1-7 days.
- Do not disturb or move the container while crystals are growing.
- When fully formed, drain off the solution and remove crystals.
Growing perfect crystals takes patience, but following these simple steps will help you get amazing results using your crystal growing kit refills!
Safety Precautions and First Aid
While crystal growing kits are safe for children when used properly, there are some basic safety guidelines to follow:
- Read labels carefully – Some solutions may be toxic if ingested. Only use as directed.
- Supervise young children – Assist with pouring solutions and handling crystals.
- Avoid contact – Crystal solutions may cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals. Rinse skin if contact occurs.
- Wear eye protection – When pouring solutions, glasses or goggles are recommended.
- Wash hands after use – Rinse thoroughly with soap and water when finished.
- Use child-safe containers – Avoid breakage hazards with plastic containers.
If accidental ingestion occurs, rinse your mouth and drink water. Call emergency services if more than a taste is swallowed. Have the kit’s name available for reference.
By following reasonable safety precautions, crystal growing experiments can be educational and safe for students of all ages!
The Educational Benefits of Growing Crystals
Beyond the initial “wow” factor of growing colorful crystals, crystal growing kits provide a wide range of educational benefits related to STEM subjects:
Science
- Introduction to chemistry, biology, physics, geology, mineralogy
- Understanding solutions, solutes, solvents, saturation
- Experimentation, controlling variables, analyzing results
- Exposure to concepts like density, periodicity, chemical bonding
Technology
- Reading and understanding kit instructions
- Following sequential steps and procedures
- Operating tools like funnels, spoons, and droppers
Engineering
- Designing creative crystal-growing chambers
- Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot crystal growth
- Structural engineering principles through crystal lattice structures
Math
- Measuring and mixing crystal solutions
- Analyzing crystal geometry and facets
- Modeling crystal formation mathematically
Refills allow repeated exposure to all these concepts with each new batch of crystals grown!
Creative Uses for Your Crystals
The experiments in crystal growing kits produce beautiful specimens that can be used in a variety of fun, creative ways:
- Make jewelry by wire-wrapping large crystals into pendants
- Use borax snowflake crystals to decorate Christmas trees
- Arrange crystals into terrariums with plants, rocks and decorations
- Glue crystals onto cards to make sparkling greeting cards
- Create colorful window sun catchers using clear glue and felt
- Drop assorted crystals into a clear vase full of mineral oil for a dazzling centerpiece
The geometric shapes and brilliant colors of crystals make them perfect for all kinds of art and craft projects. Get creative with your crystal-growing kit specimens!
Best Crystal Growing Kits by Age
Crystal growing kits are a great educational toy for children of all ages. Here are some recommendations by age group:
Ages 5-7
- Creativity for Kids Crystal Creations
- Playz Basic Crystal Growing Lab
- Geo Central Crystal Lab
Look for hardy plastic containers and large chunks of crystals for little hands.
Ages 8-10
- Thames & Kosmos Crystal Science
- Tedco Single Solution Science Kit
- Steve Spangler Tie-Dye Crystal Kit
Kids can handle more steps and smaller pieces. Opt for kits with 2-3 types of crystals.
Ages 11-14
- Home Science Tools Pro Crystal Growing Kit
- Geo-Central Illuminated Crystal Kit
- Tedco Super Advanced Crystal Growing Lab
Tweens will enjoy more customization and learning about advanced crystal lattice structures.
Ages 15+
- Wards Science Crystal Art Kit
- Home Science Tools Deluxe Crystal Growing Lab
- American Education Crystal Garden Deluxe
- Tedco Optical Quality Crystal Growing
For teens and adults, look for large, flawless crystals to excite the inner chemist!
With the right kit, crystal growing can be tailored for maximum education and enjoyment at any age!
Comparing Crystal Growing Refills: Home vs. Classroom
Crystal growing refill kits are useful both at home and in classroom settings:
Home Use
- Smaller size solutions for kitchen experiments
- Child-friendly tools like plastic containers
- Affordably priced for family budgets
- Fun bonding activity for parents and kids
Classroom Use
- Larger volume solution to supply all students
- Multiple seed crystals for group experiments
- Durable tools withstand school use
- Facilitates teaching the scientific method
For home use, opt for high-quality but basic crystal growing refill kits from brands like Creativity for Kids.
For classrooms, choose larger professional-grade refills from suppliers like Ward’s Science that are designed for student lab experiments. Consider activity guides and lesson plans too.
With the right refill kit, the magic of crystal formation can be discovered both at home and school!
Going Beyond Basic Crystal Growing
Once you’ve mastered basic crystal growing, you may want to try more advanced techniques:
- Slow Evaporation Method – Gently heat a small amount of saturated solution and allow the water to slowly evaporate in an undisturbed area.
- Temperature Reduction Method – Heat saturated solution to near-boiling then allow to cool very slowly to produce large flawless crystals.
- Vapor Diffusion Method – Suspend a container of solution inside a larger container, allowing vapor to diffuse slowly into the outer chamber.
- Crystal Fusion – Fuse separate crystal specimens together while growing using a fishing line or fine wire.
- Crystal Optics – Explore how crystals interact with light and polarizers.
- Crystal-Powered Engines – Use ‘growing’ and ‘shrinking’ crystals to demonstrate kinetic energy.
The world of crystallography offers unlimited potential for advanced science investigations!
Inspiring a Love of Science
At their core, crystal growing kit refills provide more than just pretty crystals – they can open up a world of hands-on science exploration. The sense of wonder when you uncover a cluster of colorful crystals catalyzes a lifelong interest in STEM fields.
What are you waiting for? Grab a crystal growing kit refill and enjoy the magic and science with your kids today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of crystals can I grow with refills?
Popular crystal growing kit refills allow you to grow crystals like table salt (sodium chloride), alum (potassium aluminum sulfate), epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), and borax (sodium tetraborate). The refill solution determines the type of crystals that will form.
How long does it take crystals to form using refills?
Crystal growth times vary, but most refill kits will start producing small crystals overnight and complete growth of larger crystals within 1-7 days. Patience is required for the complete crystal structure to form.
Can I speed up the crystal growing process?
Growing conditions like temperature and stillness impact growth rate. Avoid shaking or disturbing the solution. Warmer temperatures between 60-75°F promote faster growth. But patience still yields the best crystal lattice formation overall.
Is it safe for kids to use crystal growing refills?
With adult supervision, crystal growing refill kits are safe STEM activities for children. Take basic safety precautions like wearing eye protection, washing hands after use, and using child-safe containers. Read and follow all kit instructions.
How can I display my crystals after growing them?
Once fully formed, carefully remove your crystals from the solution and allow to dry on a paper towel. You can put them in a clear jar, incorporate them into jewelry or art pieces, or return them to the solution to grow larger. Get creative with your crystal specimens!