How to Form Alum Crystals
Natural crystals are created from hot gases or molten rocks, and they come in a variety of shapes and colors. Throughout time, mystical and even healing powers have been ascribed to crystals. Some are very precious---for instance, carbon crystals are better known as diamonds, the most valuable of gemstones. Crystals can also be man-made, and creating them can be an interesting and educational project at home or in the classroom.
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Things You'll Need
- Alum
- Glass jar
- Water
- Microwave
- Food thermometer
- Pencil or popsicle stick
- String
- Petroleum jelly
- Paper towel
- Rubber band
Instructions
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1
Place one tablespoon of alum in a small glass or jar. Alum can be found in the spice or canning department of most grocery or natural health stores.
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2
Add one-third of a cup of water to the glass jar. Heat the glass container in the microwave until the solution reaches 60 degrees Celsius. You can use a cooking thermometer to test the temperature of the solution, but do not leave the thermometer in the container while microwaving.
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3
Stir the mixture until the alum has completely dissolved. If the mixture appears cloudy, let stand for a few minutes to allow the mixture to settle. Transfer the solution to a clean, cool glass jar.
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4
Tie a piece of string to a pencil or clean popsicle stick. Place the stick horizontally across the jar, and submerge the string so that no more than half an inch is in the solution.
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5
Smear the string that is not submerged in the solution with petroleum jelly. Cover the jar with a paper towel and secure in place with a large rubber band. Place in a cool, dry place where it will not be disturbed. Crystals should form in about a week.
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6
Remove the string from the solution after a week and select the largest and best-formed crystal. Using a fine string, gently tie a knot around the crystal you've chosen. This will be your seed crystal. Wrap a few of the other crystals in plastic wrap to have in case something happens to the seed crystal.
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7
Repeat Steps 1 through 3 and hang the string with the seed crystal on a stick horizontally over the glass jar. Cover with a clean paper towel and secure with a large rubber band.
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8
Continue growing the seed crystal by replacing the alum solution every week with fresh solution.
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1
Tips & Warnings
To create colored crystals, mix a small amount of food coloring with the alum before dissolving in water.
References
- Photo Credit crystals image by Vasiliy Koval from Fotolia.com
