Crystal growing kits are a fun and educational way for both kids and adults to learn about the fascinating science of crystal formation. With so many crystal growing kit options on the market, it can be tricky to know where to start. This beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know about crystal growing kits – from the science behind crystal growth to recommendations for the best crystal growing kits for beginners in 2023.
What Are Crystal Growing Kits?
Crystal growing kits are hands-on science kits that allow you to grow your own crystals at home. The kits contain all the materials and step-by-step instructions needed to grow beautiful crystals through simple chemical reactions.
Crystal growing has been a popular science experiment and hobby for decades. While growing crystals naturally takes thousands or millions of years, these kits speed up the process so you can grow impressive crystals in a matter of days or weeks.
Some key benefits of crystal growing kits include:
- Educational – They allow kids and adults to learn about chemistry, crystal structures, geology, and more through hands-on experience.
- Entertaining – It’s exciting to watch crystals slowly form and grow over time.
- Decorative – The crystals grown can become beautiful keepsakes to display.
- Stress Relieving – The process of growing crystals can have a calming, meditative effect.
The Science Behind Crystal Growth
In order to grow crystals successfully, it helps to understand some basic science about how crystals form.
What Are Crystals?
Crystals are solids made up of a repeating, microscopic geometric pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules. The small units that make up the crystal are arranged in an orderly, lattice structure.
Common examples of crystalline solids are minerals like quartz, salt, and snowflakes. The unique shapes of crystals depend on the type of internal arrangement of the units.
How Do Crystals Grow?
There are two main ways crystals grow:
- Precipitation – When a solution containing dissolved crystalline compounds cools down or evaporates, the compounds can no longer stay dissolved resulting in precipitation of crystals.
- Diffusion – Crystals grow when new particles slowly diffuse into the crystal structure.
Factors Affecting Crystal Growth
Several key factors impact the crystal growth process and the final shape:
- Concentration – More concentrated solutions allow faster growth.
- Temperature – Warmer temperatures speed up growth, while colder slows it down.
- pH – Acidic or basic conditions affect solubility and growth rate.
- Purity – Impure solutions grow imperfect crystals.
- Motion – Moving solutions produce more even growth.
Types of Crystal Growing Kits
There are crystal growing kits made for beginners and advanced hobbyists, as well as kits tailored to grow certain types of crystals.
Beginner Crystal Growing Kits
Beginner-level kits are designed for elementary school aged kids or adults new to the hobby. They contain safe, non-toxic chemicals and come with clear instructions perfect for first-time users.
Common beginner kit features:
- Grow 3-6 types of crystals
- Easy-to-follow visual guides
- Include gloves, goggles for safety
- Take 1-3 weeks to grow crystals
- Affordably priced $10-$30 range
Top beginner crystal growing kits:
- Crystal Growing Experiment Kit by GeoCentral
- My First Crystal Growing Kit by Crystal Universe
- Ultimate Crystal Growing Lab by Thames & Kosmos
Advanced Crystal Growing Kits
Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider an advanced kit. These include specialized equipment and chemicals to grow rare, impressive crystals.
Features of advanced kits:
- Grow 6-12 types of crystals
- Use real lab tools like pipettes
- Take 2-6 months for large crystals
- Require more hands-on work
- Prices range from $50-$150
Recommended advanced crystal growing kits:
- Mega Crystal Growing Lab by National Geographic
- Advanced Crystal Mineral Science Kit by Geoscience
- Ultimate Crystal Growing Kit by Kits for Kids
Specialty Crystal Growing Kits
Specialty kits focus on certain types of crystals or geology activities:
- Gemstone kits – Grow crystals like amethyst, emerald, ruby
- Geode kits – Crack open geodes to reveal crystals inside
- Fossil kits – Grow crystals around seashells or fossils
- Glow in the dark kits – Grow light-activated fluorescent crystals
Fun specialty kit ideas:
- Amethyst Geode Kit by Crystal Kits
- Sea Life Fossil Crystals Kit by Jan’s Gems
- Outer Space Glow Crystals by Science Wiz
Top Crystal Growing Kit Brands
There are many excellent crystal growing kit manufacturers to choose from. Below are some of the top brands making high-quality, educational kits.
National Geographic
The iconic brand offers comprehensive crystal growing lab kits complete with professional-grade tools.
Pros: Highly educational, grow numerous crystal types, include microscope
Cons: More expensive, best for older kids
Example kits: Ultimate Crystal Growing Lab, Mega Crystal Growing Lab
Thames & Kosmos
This science kit company creates crystal growing kits for all ages. Their beginner kits are easy to use.
Pros: Clear instructions, great for elementary students, affordable pricing
Cons: Limited crystal types, tools are lower quality
Example kits: Ultimate Crystal Growing Lab, Geode Kit
4M
4M makes crystal and geode kits focused on brightly colored, Instantly forming crystals.
Pros: Very easy, crystals grow quickly in minutes/hours
Cons: Less educational, recyclable materials
Example kits: Color Crystal Garden, Crystal Mining Kit
Discovery Mindblown
Discovery offers unique crystal lab kits featuring specialty crystals like bismuth and heat-sensitive crystals.
Pros: Unique crystal types, cool experiments
Cons: Can be messy, fewer instructions
Example kits: Hidden Rainbow Crystal Lab, Blacklight Reactive Crystal Lab
Smithsonian
Smithsonian crystal growing kits are designed by scientists and tested for educational impact.
Pros: High educational value, grow many crystal types
Cons: Can have small/delicate parts for younger kids
Example kits: Gems & Crystals Lab Kit, Ultimate Crystal Growing Lab
What to Look for in a Crystal Growing Kit
With so many crystal growing kits out there, it can be hard to choose. Here are the key features to consider when selecting a kit:
Safety
Look for kits made from non-toxic materials, especially if buying for children. They should include safety gear like gloves and goggles.
Quality Materials
Higher-quality kits use lab-grade containers, filters, and chemicals to grow better crystals.
Clear Instructions
Detailed visual guides, charts, and experiments explain the crystal growing process.
Educational Value
Kits with a science background create a more enriching learning experience.
Accessories
Magnifying glasses, storage containers, and display stands enhance the final crystal specimen.
Cost
Beginner kits range from $10-$50. Advanced kits with more crystals and tools run $50-$200.
How to Use a Crystal Growing Kit
Growing impressive crystals is easy and fun with a complete kit. Follow this basic process:
Step 1: Assemble Tools and safety Gear
- Clear containers, pipettes, stirring sticks
- Gloves, goggles, aprons for safety
Step 2: Prepare Crystal Growing Chemical Solution
- Slowly mix chemicals with distilled water as instructed
- Stir mixture thoroughly until fully dissolved
Step 3: Pour Solution into Crystal Growth Chamber
- Carefully pour the solution into a glass jar or container
- Insert crystal seed or small object for crystals to form on
Step 4: Allow Crystals to Grow
- Place the container in a warm spot out of direct sunlight
- Wait patiently! Crystals take 1-6 weeks to fully form
Step 5: Admire and Display Crystals
- Use gloves to carefully remove crystals
- Rinse with water and pat dry
- Show off your crystalline creations!
Crystal growing process – Image source: Pexels
Pro tips:
- Avoid vibration or movement while crystals grow
- Gently stir solution periodically to prevent uneven crystal growth
- Start a crystal growing journal to record observations
Educational Benefits of Crystal Growing
Beyond just being super cool, crystal growing kits provide many educational benefits, especially for children:
Fosters Interest in STEM
Growing crystals makes science experiential, peaking kids’ interest in chemistry, physics, and geology.
Teaches Chemistry Concepts
Kits demonstrate concepts like solubility, crystallization, chemical bonding, molecular polarity.
Develops Critical Thinking Skills
Following instructions, analyzing results, and troubleshooting problems enhance logical thinking abilities.
Makes Science Tangible
Being able to hold and observe the crystals makes abstract scientific principles concrete.
Overall, crystal growing allows kids to feel like real scientists and gets them excited about science!
Crystal Growing Kits for Entertainment
For both kids and adults, crystal growing can also be a fun hobby and creative outlet outside of its educational benefits:
Mesmerizing Process
It’s simply fascinating to watch the crystals slowly grow and change shape over days/weeks.
Stress Reliever
The repetitive process of crystal growth can have a calming, meditative effect.
Makes a Beautiful Keepsake
The crystals you grow become cherished possessions to keep or give as gifts.
Fun Activity for Groups
Growing crystals can bring family or friends together for a shared activity.
So if you’re looking for an engrossing new hobby, try your hand at crystal growing!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow crystals?
- Growing time ranges from 1 day to 8 weeks depending on crystal type, size desired, and conditions like temperature. Most take 1-3 weeks.
Can you eat the crystals?
- No, most crystals grown in home kits are made from toxic chemical compounds and are not edible. Exceptions are safe materials like sugar or alum.
How do you dispose of the chemical solutions?
- Follow kit instructions to properly dispose of remaining chemicals, often by mixing with baking soda to neutralize and diluting with water.
Can crystal growing kits be reused?
- Unfortunately, most kits are single-use only. But you can order replacement chemicals to reuse quality kit components like containers.
Grow On Your Crystal Knowledge!
I hope this beginner’s guide provided a helpful introduction to the exciting world of crystal growing kits! Growing your own beautiful crystals is an amazing STEM activity with many educational and entertainment benefits.
There are kits available for all ages and skill levels – from preschool students to expert crystallographers! With so many excellent kit options on the market, you can find one that tailors perfectly to your needs.
To recap, look for kits that offer:
✔️ Non-toxic, quality materials
✔️ Clear, visual instructions
✔️ Fun crystal types
✔️ Useful tools and accessories
Remember key tips like avoiding vibration, stirring solutions, and recording crystal growth. Be patient – some of the most gorgeous crystals take weeks to fully develop!
Growing crystals is an entertaining hobby that also opens up discussions about science, nature, and geology. I hope this beginner’s guide sparks your interest to try crystal growing yourself or gift it to a budding young scientist! Let the crystals grow.
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