How to Make Liquid Crystals

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Things You'll Need

  • Small stick

  • String

  • Glass pint jar

  • Rock salt

  • Sugar

  • Saucepan

  • Foil pan

  • Candy thermometer

  • Water

Grow crystals of salt or sugar.

Teach children about the crystalline structure of many rocks by growing rock salt and rock candy. Salt crystals are the safest and easiest type of crystals to grow from a liquid, but sugar crystals are by far the most popular. Both can be grown at room temperature using easily available supplies. This activity can also be used in a Bible class to illustrate the concept of being "the salt of the earth."

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Prepare the Salt Crystal "Nursery"

Step 1

Prepare a jar for growing your crystals.

Tie a piece of string to a small stick, such as a popsicle stick or pencil.

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Step 2

Place the stick over the mouth of a glass jar with the string hanging down in the center.

Step 3

Tie a single piece of rock salt to the string. This will be the nucleus your crystal will grow on.

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Grow Salt Crystals

Step 1

Use a piece of rock salt for your crystal seed.

Mix 3/4 cups salt and 2 cups water in a heavy saucepan.

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Step 2

Heat and stir until salt is dissolved.

Step 3

Pour salt solution into prepared jar. Be sure the liquid completely covers the salt crystals.

Step 4

Leave the jar in a dry place for several days and watch your crystals grow. The exact timing depends on the temperature and humidity.

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Prepare Pan for Growing Sugar Crystals

Step 1

Make your own clear rock candy.

Punch small holes along two opposite edges of the foil pan one inch apart and one inch above the bottom of the pan.

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Step 2

Cut a piece of cotton string 65 inches long. Knot the end with a large knot.

Step 3

Thread the string through the holes back and forth across the pan.

Step 4

Pull the string tight and knot the end.

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Grow Sugar Crystals

Step 1

Mix 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water in a heavy saucepan.

Step 2

Cook until candy thermometer reads 250 degrees.

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Step 3

Pour the sugar solution into the prepared pan. Be sure the liquid completely covers the strings by at least a half-inch.

Step 4

Leave the pan in a dry place for several days and watch your crystals grow. The exact timing depends on the temperature and humidity.

Tip

The sugar syrup can be colored with food coloring and flavored with extract. Fruit juice can be used instead of water, but the crystals will not be as clear. For clearer candy, wash the crystals briefly in cold water. Dry the crystals on a rack in a warm oven before storing.

Warning

Do not allow children to handle hot solutions without adult supervision.

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