Try This At Home!

Crazy Crystals

From National Geographic Kids

IMPORTANT: Before you begin, ask an adult for permission to use the stove. AND remember to turn it off when you're finished.

Ingredients:
Powdered alum, found in the spice section of the supermarket
Water
A small pan
A wooden spoon
Food coloring (for amounts, see below)
Several small jars
Paper towels

Food Coloring
Emerald: 10 drops green
Ruby: 12 drops red
Diamonds: no color
Topaz: 10 drops yellow
Sapphires: 10 drops blue
Amber: 6 drops yellow + 2 drops red + 1 drop green

1. Measure 4 teaspoons of water and 3 teaspoons of alum into the pan.
2. Add drops of food coloring to achieve the desired color (see the color list at left for ideas).
3. Bring the mixture to a complete boil, stirring for a few seconds until all of the alum is dissolved.
4. Allow the mixture to cool two minutes. Carefully pour the alum solution into the jar, and let it sit uncovered and undisturbed for three days. Soon you will begin to see crystals forming at the bottom of the jar. Do not move the jar.
5. After three days, carefully pour off the excess water and gently remove the crystals. Spread them evenly on a paper towel to dry.

Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com

Check out these sites for similar activities:

Crystal Garden

Create a crystal garden using charcoals, salt, liquid laundry bluing, water, ammonia, food coloring. http://www.ohiodnr.com

Grow a Crystal

Make a crystal using only Epsom salt and waterl http://pbskids.org

Rock Candy

Make your own edible crystals with this simple and easy recipe. http://chemistry.about.com

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