Crystals

Grow your own crystals with these easy recipes. Learn about crystal structures and how crystals are classified.

Hot ice is another name for sodium acetate.
Hot ice is another name for sodium acetate (CH3COONa or NaOAc). It is the sodium salt of acetic acid, which is the key component of vinegar. Hot ice gets its name from the way it solidifies. A solution of sodium acetate supercooled below its melting point suddenly crystallizes. Heat is […]

Make Hot Ice From Baking Soda and Vinegar   Recently updated !

This entry was posted on by (updated on )
Quartz crystals commonly occur in nature.
A crystal is a form of matter in which the atoms, molecules, or ions are arranged in a highly ordered three-dimensional lattice. Crystals are also called crystalline solids because most crystals are solid. However, liquid crystals also exist. The word “crystal” comes from the Greek word krustallos, which means both […]

What Is a Crystal? Definition and Examples   Recently updated !

This entry was posted on by (updated on )
A seed crystal is a small crystal used to promote growth of a larger one.
A seed crystal is a small crystal that is used as a base to grow a large single crystal. Without a seed, crystals form slowly from random intermolecular interactions. When the seed is placed in a saturated or supersaturated solution it acts as a nucleation site. This decreases the time […]

How to Grow a Seed Crystal   Recently updated !

This entry was posted on by (updated on )
Green Crystal Needles
Grow a quick cup of crystal needles in your refrigerator. The whole project takes between 15 minutes and 2 hours, from start to finish. All you need is Epsom salt, water, and a little food dye if you want a pop of color. Materials Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) Water (hot […]

How to Grow a Cup of Quick Crystal Needles   Recently updated !

This entry was posted on by (updated on )
These calcium chloride crystals grew spontaneously in a container of DampRid.
Calcium chloride crystals are easy to grow. The clear crystals are thin, six-sided shards that sparkle brightly. Materials All you need is calcium chloride and water: Calcium chloride (CaCl2) Water (H2O) Calcium chloride is commonly used as road salt to remove ice, in moisture control products such as DampRid, and […]

Grow Calcium Chloride Crystals   Recently updated !

This entry was posted on by (updated on )
Real snowflakes are beautiful, but melt quickly. Grow borax crystal snowflakes and enjoy them as sparkling ornaments or decorations year-round. The snowflakes are naturally clear or white, but you can tint them blue or any color you like. Borax Crystal Snowflake Materials Basically, you’re growing borax crystals over a snowflake […]

Make Borax Crystal Snowflakes   Recently updated !

This entry was posted on by (updated on )