How to Make Crystals at Home

Growing crystals is a simple project for homeschooling families or to alleviate summer boredom. There are commercially available crystal making kits available, but most revolve around a simple spice found at most well-stocked grocery stores. Save money and make your own crystals with your children instead.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tbsp. alum (available in the spice aisle) 1/2 cup water Small pot Clear jar Foam ice chest

Instructions

1. Mix alum and water in the pot. Heat over medium heat while stirring constantly until the alum is completely dissolved.

2. Pour the mixture into the jar and allow it to set for at least 24 hours. This will allow the mixture to cure quickly, and by the next day the bottom of the jar will be filled with many small crystals.

3. To make larger crystals, after pouring the liquid into the jar, place it in the ice chest so that it will cool more slowly. Wait the 24 hours, then open the ice chest. You should have 3 to 5 larger crystals. You can also set the jar in a bowl of hot water inside the ice chest to slow the cooling even further.

Tips & Warnings

• Tie a string around a pencil and let the string dangle in the jar. The crystals will grow on the string!

• An adult should supervise when cooking the liquid.

Resources

• This and That: Crystal growing