WARNING:
THISKIT CONTAINS
CHEMICALS
THATMAYBE
Item #2894-08
AGES 10 AND UP
RNING:
~
nly for use by children over 10 years old. To be used
ely under the strict supervision of adults that have
ied the precautions given in the experimental set."
HARMFUL
IF MISUSED.READALL WARNING
STATEMENTS
ONINDIVIDUAL
PACKETS
ANDINSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE
USING
THISKIT.
THIS CRYSTAL
KIT MAYBE JSEDBY YOUNG
CHILDREN
ONLYWITHADULT
SUPERVISION.
IF DRYPOWDER
ORMIXED
L!QUlDIS SPILLED,
RINSEWITHWATER.
DONOTUSEANYBLEACHES
ORCLEANERS
CONTAINING
CHLORINE.
®
SMITHSONIAN
CRYSTAL GROWINGSET - SERIES I
CRYSTAL GROWING PROCEDURES
"GOLDENCITRINE" CRYSTALCLUSTER
"AQUAMARINEBLUE" CRYSTAL CLUSTER
"EMERALDGREEN" CRYSTAL CLUSTER
© MCMXCV
NATURALSCIENCE INDUSTRIES, LTD.
910 ORLANDOAVENUE¯ WESTHEMPSTEAD,NEW YORK 11552
0 1995SmithsonianInstitution
Rev 0103
Madein U.S.A.
CONTENTS OF YOUR
CRYSTAL GROWINGKIT
CRYSTALS AND
CRYSTAL GROWING PROCEDURES
WARNING! READ ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE
STARTING. ALL CHEMICALS AND PROCEDURES
HAVE THE
POTENTIAL TO CAUSE HARM!
Your crystal growing kit contains the following materials and
equipmentfor growingbeautiful chemicalcrystals:
Safety goggles
3 poly bags of crystal growingchemicals
In this crystal growingset, the chemicalsusedand the proce- [3
dures outlined have been madeas safe as possible through [3
1 size "C" crystal growingcup
careful testing and packaging. However,they are not without
3 size "D" crystal growingcups
somehazard since ALL chemicals AREpotentially dangerous.
[3
3 size "D" lids
Be sure you read the warnings and caution statements on the
r3
2
wooden spatulas
individual containers and follow the proceduresand directions
carefully.
Instruction booklet
NOTE:This crystal growing kit maybe used by youngchildren only
with adult subervision!
(1) NEVER
put any chemicals, crystals or solutions into the mouth.
Neverswallowor eat any chemicals,crystals or solutions. Do not eat
or drink whenhandlingchemicals,crystals or solutions.
Magnifying glass
[3
Poly bagcontaining granite "base rocks"
MATERIALNEEDED TO BE
SUPPLIED BY YOU
(2) AVOID
contactof any chemicals,solutions or crystals with the skin, Gathertogether the following materials andcontainersto help your
eyesandmouth.Becareful of stirring sticks andcontainerswhichhave procedures run more smoothly and to insure that your crystal
beenused with the chemicalsor solutions. Alwayswashyour hands growingwill be moresuccessful.
andarmsafter handling chemicals,crystals, or solutions. Keepyour
workarea clean and dust-freer
Youwill need:
(3) READINSTRUCTIONS
for each procedure before actually doing [3 A room or location in your homewhere the temperature
the procedure.Makesure you haveall of the equipmentand materials remainsrelatively constant and wherethe cryst~. 3 maygrow and
readyfor the procedurebefore starting.
not be disturbed. Onceyou place your crystals ready to grow, try
(4) If chemicalsaccidentally comein contact with skin, washthe area not to disturb them.
with soapandwater. If eye contact occurs, carefully flush eyeswith [3 A mediumsize saucepanin which to heat water to boiling.
waterfor 15 minutes.If irritation occurs,or if it persists, get medical Alwaysuse a stainless steel or Teflon~ coated saucepan.Never
attention. Somechemicals mayform or contain DUST.If a chemical use an aluminumpan. The boiling water will be used to dissolve
dust is inhaled, seek fresh air. If symptomsoccur, seek medical chemicals. Whenusing boiling water, always have parents or an
attention. If any chemicals, crystals or solutions are swallowed, adult help you.
immediatelyrinse your mouthwith milk or water; drink several glasses
[3 Plenty of newspaperor plastic sheeting to protect your work
of milk or water. Seekmedical attention or call a Poison Control area from spills and from the dyeswhichare addedto manyof the
Center.
chemicals.Thepowerfuldyesmaystain floors or table tops if the
(5) Keepchemicals, solutions and crystals out of the reach of small colored solutions are spilled onto these surfaces.
children andpets.
[3 Several small clean used jars with tops (like usedjelly jars,
(6) Alwayswork with the safety goggles, which are supplied in your baby food jars or canning jars) in which to store someof your
crystal growingkit.
chemicalsolutions for use later on.
(7) Makesure your work area is covered with several sheets
newspaper
or a waterproof plastic sheeting to reducethe problemof
spills fromchemicalsandfrom the dyeswhichare usedin the chemical
solutions. If there is a spill, clean the area immediatelywith paper
towels.
(8) It is importantto coverclothing with a protective layer of cloth,
plastic or rubber. Youshould obtain an apron(like a workshop
apron)
andwear it while you are doing the procedures.
[3 A small plastic bucket (like a clean usedpeanutbutter bucket
or discarded quart Tupperware~container). Makesure that your
containers and bucketsare thoroughly cleaned and dried.
[3 A supplyof papertowels or tissue paperfor drying crystals and
cleaningup any spills.
Scissors
Flashlight
A selection of various rocks on which you will growyour own
(9) Disposeof USED
chemicalsin a mannerwhich is environmentally crystals. Theserocks maybe collected from the neighborhoodor
safe. Talk to your parents or school science teacher about the best maybe from your own rock collection. The prettier and more
wayto dispose of chemicals.
interesting the rocks you use, the moreinteresting will be the
NO MA’n’ER WHATTHE EXPERIMENT, EQUIPMENTOR PROCE- "bases" for your crystals to growon.
DURE,THEONETHINGTO CONSIDER
AT ALL TIMESIS S-A-F-E-T-Y You mayhave to break the rocks with a hammer.Whenbreaking
rocks with a hammer,
work outdoors, and alwayswearyour safety
(’ALWAYS WEARYOURSAFETY GOGGLESWHENPERFORMING’~ goggles.Coverthe rock you are trying to break with an old cloth
~ EXPERIMENTSWITH CHEMICALSOR DOING THE PROCEDURES|or budapsack to prevent rock shards from scattering or flying
outwardfrom the breakingarea. Becareful of sharp edgesfrom the
~ OUTLINEDFORCRYSTALGROWING
ANDSOLUTIONMAKING! BE
/
I/ CAREFULWHENHANDLING HOT WATER! ALWAYSWEARYOUR broken rocks. Youmayalso use the granite "base rocks" supplied
WHENBREAKINGUP ROCKSFOR THE "BASE in yourkit.
/’1 SAFETYGOGGLES
J
~,ROCKS"FORYOURCRYSTALS.
2
0 Transparenttape on whichyou can write with a permanentink marker.
This will help you keeptrack of whichchemicalsolutions youare savingand
whichcrystals are growingin each container.
GE’I’rlNG READY
Usingscissors, cut apart the indi~clual plastic crystal growingcupsfromthe
plastic sheet where they are all attached. Leave a rim around each
individual plastic growingcup, but cut off sharppoints fromthe comersof
the ~ms.Youwill also use the flat plastic sheetto cut "lids" for various
growingcups. YOUwill needlids for size "D" growingcups.
ALWAYS WEARYO’JR SAFETY GOGGLESWHEN
PERFORMINGEXPERIMENTSWITH CHEMICALS
OR DOING THE PROCEDURESOUTUNED FOR
CRYSTAL GROWINGAND SOLUTION MAKING!
BE CAREFUL WHEN HANDLING HOT WATER.I
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY GOGGLESWHEN
BREAKING UP ROCKSFOR THE "BASE ROCKS"
FOR YOUR CRYSTALS.
KEEPING RECORDS- LABORATORY
NOTES:
It is impo~lantto keepa record of eachprocedureyou perform.Usea small
notebook and pencil to record the important information about each
operation ORyou mayuse the record keeping log at the end of each
procedure.
The informabonyou should record is:
1. Timeand date you stad eachcrystal growing procedure.
2. Timeand date you end each crystal growing procedure.
3. Whatsize rock andwhattype rock usedfor the "baserock" for your crystal
growing procedure.
4. The nameof the chemical used, how muchchemical used, and how
nmchwater used in each crystal growing procedure.
5. Recordthe room temperature and the solution temperature dt the
beginningof each crystal growingprocedure.
6. Comments:
Note also whenyou could first see crystals beginning to
grow, whatShapethey are, and howfast they appearto grow. Noteif the
"baserocks" yo~are using are light or dark colored andwhatkind of rock
is usedfor "baserocks" (like limestone,granite, etc.). Youmaywishto use
the "record keeping log" printed at the end of each procedure.The most
important techniqueto developis to measure
all chemicalsandall amounts
of water VERYCAREFULLY.
For each crystal growing experiment, the
amountof water neededis given in gramsandmilliliters (ml) as well as
cups, teaspoonsand tablespoons. Youmayuse any system you like, but
the metric measurement
in milliliters (ml) or grams(g) will be usedin
manual. The size "D" crystal growing cups have two markings embossed
on them.The lower markdenoting20 mililiter (ml) andthe upperdenoting
68 milliliters (ml). Theseare the only twomeasurements
that are usedin the
following experiments.
7. Whenyou removethe crystals from their growingvessel andare making
ready to dry them, place the crystals on absorbent paper toweling or
newspaper
andlet themdry for a dayor so undisturbed.Letting the crystals
~ this waywill insure the crystals become
firmly attached to the "base
rocks" and will serve as a safe and stable methodto display your new
8. If youmakea displayof all your crystals, it is importantto keepthemdry
and free of dust, andawayfrom too muchheat. Someof the crystals you
groware very delicate andwill break if handledroughly. If you can find
somedear plastic boxesin whichto display them, all the better. If your
crystals get dusty, youmaywantto clean themoff with a soft bristle brush,
o¢ the air froma hair dryer.
REMEMBER:
All of your crystals will re-dissolve in waterll So do NOT
get your c~stals wet or try to washthem.., the c~/stals will tumback
k~to solutkm.
Carefullycut all of the crystal growing
cupsopartfromoneanother.
Be sure to leave a rim aroundeachgrowingcup. Also removeany
sharpcornersfromthe rimswith yourscissors.
NOTE:The measuring
cupincluded
withthis kit is marked
withounces
(oz.) andcubiccentimeters(cc.).
Onemilliliter equal,,;onecubiccentimeter.
For Example
: lml = lcc
2ml = 2cc
3ml = 3cc
Crystal~whichare fo~mdin noturemayhavetakenthousand~
or eve~
millionsof yearsto growinto thermalshapeandsize whichwe
recognize.Somenaturalcrystals formin hot sohaioneof chemicah
deepwithinthe earth. Crys~at~
mayalso formas the result o[~inerals
frommoltenrockor superheatedvaporso/mineralsor elements.
Thecrystals whichyouwill growin this kit are chemicalcrysmlxYour
cryxtals growveryrapidly, needingonly a few hoursor daysto
their growth.Boththe crystals foundin natureandthe onesyougrow
fromyourkit areactualcrysto, s within~ernalstr~aresroachthe s, me,
exceptyoudonot haveto wall~hoasands
of yearsto see the result
yourcrystal growth.~
"Golden Citrine"
Crystals
Actual CITRINE
crystals are a variety of quartz whichshowa light yellow color. The "GoldenCitrine" crystals which
you will growin Procedure#I use the chemicalmonoammonium
phosphateanda yellow food dye to simulateactual CITRINE
quartz.Bothyourchemicalcrystals andactual citrine crystals do, however,formin the hexagonal
crystal system.
Crystals of the samechemicalsubstancemayexhibit a wide variety of shapes. However,it is possible to choosethree
reference axes (called crystallographic axes) that uniquelydefine the geometryof each crystal. Theseaxes intersect at
common
point at the center of the crystal. For highly regular shapeslike cubes(high symmetry),the axes are the samelength,
and the angles betweenthe axes are 90°. Anexampleof this type of crystal is table salt (the mineralhalite). Thereare seven
different combinationsof crystallographic axes. Theseare called crystal systemsand are shownin the marginimmediately
below. The"GoldenCitrine" crystals that you will growin Procedure#1 crystallize in one of these systems. Canyou determine
which one?
Thecrystals whichyouwill growin a water(aqueous)solution are not actual citrine quartz crystals as seen in jewelrystores
or museums,
but are nonethelessbeautiful goldencrystal structures.
PROCEDURE#1:
"GOLDENClTRINE" CRYSTALS
OVERVIEW- PROCEDURE
#1:
In procedure#1 - "GoldenCitrine" Crystals, youwill growcrystal clusters
of a golden ambercolor on a base rock. The crystal growing chemical
contains monoammonium
phosphateand a concentrated food dye colorant.
After you havegrownthe "GoldenCitrine" crystals, keepthemas clean and
dry as possible. If they become
dusty, they maybe cleanedwith a soft brush
or with air from a gentle blowersuchas a hair dryer. Protect your finished
crystals from harsh light andmoisture.
Youwill needthe following materials to completethis procedure:
El Safety goggles
Polybag#1 containing "GoldenCitrine" crystal
growing chemical
Size "C" plastic crystal growingcup
Size "D" plastic crystal growingcup
Size "D" plastic crystal growingcup lid
Wooden
spatula (for stirring)
Saucepan for boiling water (let your parents help you
with boiling water) ORstyrofoamcup if wateris boiled
in microwave
"Baserock" piecesto place in the bottomof plastic
crystal growingcup for your crystals to growupon
Small storagejar with lid for stodngthe excesssolution
for later steps or follow-up experiments
Newspaper
or plastic sheeting to cover your working
area to reducethe hazardof spills on table or floor
El Flashlight.
Magnifying glass
Small notebookand pencil for recording the steps
of procedure ORyou mayuse the record keeping log
at the endof this procedure
Proceduresteps:
THE SEVENCRYSTALSYSTEMS(shapes)
CUBIC
TETRAGONAL
HEXAGONAL
RHOMBOHEDRAL
ORTHORHOMBIC
MONOCLINiC
(1) Openpoly bag #1, the "GoldenCitrine" crystal growingchemicaland
pour the contentsinto a size "C" plastic crystal growingcup.
(2) Usinga clean dry wooden
spatula and your magnifyingglass, carefully
look at the small grains andcrystals of the chemicalfromthe poly bag#1.
(3) After you haveexamined
the crystals, put a few (about 1/8 teaspoon)
themback into poly bag #1 for use as seedcrystals.
(4) Usingthe size "D" growingcup, fill with water to the uppermark,and
place this water into a saucepan.Place the saucepanonto the stove and
heat until the wateris boiling.
TRICLINIC
All crystalswhichareknownhavebeenclassifiedinto oneof the seven
categories called CRYSTAL
SYSTEMS.
All natural crystals canhe
identified as belongingto one of these seven CRYSTAL
SYSTEMS.
The
crystals that yougrowwithyoarcrystal growing
set mayalso be
classifiedunderoneor the otherof thesecategories(shapes).
(5) Pourthe boilingwaterfromthe sm~saucepan
into the size "C" plastic
growing
cupwtlichoontains
the contents
frompolybag# 1. Stir this mixture
~ one of your wooden
spstulas until all of the chemicalgroins have
(6) Placeoneor twobrokenrockfragments
in the bottomof the size "D"
plastic growingcup. These~ rocks" should only comeup from the
boltomof the growingcupabout3/4" (or about2 cm).
ALWAYSWEARYOURSAFETYGOGGLES
WHEN
PERFORMING
EXPERMENTSWITH CHEMICALS
OR DOINGTHE PROCEDURES
OUTLINEDFOR
CRYSTALGROWING
AND SOLUTIONMAKING!
BE CAREFULWHENHANDLINGHOT WATERI
ALWAYSWEARYOURSAFETYGOGGLES
WHEN
BREAKING
UP ROCKE;FORTHE"BASEROCKS"
FORYOUR
CRYSTAL,=;.
I
(7) Pourlhe chemical/water
sotutionfromthe size*C*plastic cupINTO
the
size "D" crystal growingcup.Pourright overthe baserocks. Theliquid
shouldbepoured
in thecupso as to allowaboutone-thirdof aninch(8 ram)
of spacebetween
top of liquid andrim of cup.Let the solutioncooluntil
lukewarm.
(8) Fromthe poly bag, takeafewsaedcaystalswhichyousavedback,and
cerofullydepositthesoat differentplacesonthetop of the rockswhichare
on~ boltomof the size "D" ptastJccrystal growing
cup.Youmayjust let
these*seedoystals"sink clownthroughthe liquid andlandonthe rocks.
(9) Primethe lid whichfits the topof size"D" cupontop of yourcrystal
(10)Setyour’Golden
Citrine"crystalgrowing
cupin a placewhere
it will not
be disturbedby movement
or changes
in temperature.
(11) Recordin your notebook
all of the stepswhichyouhaveperformed
duringthis procedure,
including~ime,date,andwhichcrystal typeyouare
growing.Make
sumyoualso label the crystal growing
cupwith the typeof
crystalyouaregrowing
in it andwhen
the crystalwill bereadyto beremoved
from the solution. YOUrr~y use the RECORD
KEEPING
LOGat the end
of this proceclure
as a handyplaceto recordyourdateandresults.
(12) Yourcrystalswill start growing
in just a fewhours.Youmayuseyour
flashlight to look throughthe sidesof the cupandwatchthe process.
(13)Allowthecfystaleto growwithoutbaingclisturbodfor threeor four days.
At that time youmayremove
your crystals fromthe solution ORyoumay
lakeoff the lid andlet It~ solutionevaporate
for a fewmoredays(to make
lengercrystals).If youremove
thelid andlet thesolutionevaporate,
a crust
of c~/stalsmayformatlt~ topofI~esolutionorat thetop rimof thecrystal
growingcup. In imy ¢e=ermnoveyour growncn/stals BEFORE
~ top of
yourc~stalsm’eexposad
I~troughlhe surfaceof the so~ulk)n.If the crystal
of the growing
cup,youmaywantto breakoff ex__~e~__
crystalswhichform
a squareshapein on:let to makeyour cry~ massdisplay look more
(14) When
youare salisfied with the stuzpeandsize of yourcrystal mass
~men,set it asideon a pieceof newspaper
or papertowel andallow to
(15)Pourtheextra solutionfromthe growing
cupinto a storagejar. Label
the jar with transpe~tape a~to which=:~rdonthe jar contains.Retain
this jar of sotu6on
for later proce¢luras.
Make
surethejar basa tight fitting
lid.
Carefully pour boiling water i~to crystal growingc~p. Stir boiling
water ¢mdchemical~ntil it is ,-ompletely dissolved. Alwayshave
adult supervisionwhendealin ~ with boiling water.
(16) The crystals which mayhave grownon the sides or bottom of the
crystal growing cup can now be removedand dded on newspaperor paper
toweling. After they are dry, retumthemto the "GoldenCitrine" crystal poly
bag #1, and save them for use in a later procedure or for follow-up
experimentsof your owndesign.
(17) If you prefer to groweven larger "GoldenCitdne" crystals, you may
wish to combineyour excesssolution andthe "excess"crystals whichhave
formedon the sides and bottomof the growingcup together with about 20
milliliters (ml) of water.Fill the size "D" growing
cupto the lower20mililiter
(ml) line to get the measurement
of water. Heat this mixture of excess
solution, excesscrystals andwater to boiling, andstir constantly with a
wooden
spatulauntil all of the solid crystal andpowder
is dissolved.B~sure
to use a stainless steel 0r Teflon~coatedsaucepan(NOTALUMINUM!)
for
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY GOGGLESWHEN
PERFORMINGEXPERIMENTS WITH CHEMICALS
OR DOING THE PROCEDURESOUTLINED FOR
CRYSTAL GROWINGAND SOLUTION MAKING!
BE CAREFUL WHEN HANDLING HOT WATERI
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY GOGGLESWHEN
BREAKING UP ROCKSFOR THE "BASE ROCKS"
FOR YOUR CRYSTALS.
this procedure.
(18) While this solution is cooling, place your "GoldenCitrine" cluster,
previously grown,into a clean size "D" growingcup. Carefully pour the new
solution over the "goldencitrine" clusters. Youdo not needto addseed
crystals this time. Covergrowingcupwith lid andallow your crystals to grow
as before.
RECORD
KEEPING
LOG: Procedure #1 : "GOLDEN
CITRINE"CRYSTALS
(1) Datethis procedure
started:
Timestarted:
(2) Typeof "baserock"used(limestone,granite,etc.):
of "baserooks"used:
(3) Number
of Chemicalused:
(4) Name
Totalweightof "baserocks":
go
PolybagNo.:
used:
(5)Weightof Chemical
of Waterused:
(6)Amount
(7) Room
temperature
of crystal growingroom:
’C.
(8) Temperature
of solutionat beginning
of prooedure:
(9) Temperature
of solutionat endof procedure:
(10) Temperature
of roomat endof procedure:
(11) Datewhen
first crystal growthobserved:
Time:
(12) Estimated
sizeof first crystalsseengrowing:
(13) Estimated
growthrate of crystals seengrowing:
(14) Dateprocedure
ended:.
(15) Amount
of dry crystal residuesavedafter procedure:
(16) Amount
of residuesolutionsavedafter procedure:
Time:
go
"Aquamarine
Blue"
Crystals
The actual gem AQUAMARINE
is a color variation
of the mineral crystal beryl. Eme--alds are also beryls. Both
aquamarine and emeralds are classified in the hexagonal crystal system. In Procedure #7 you will grow a blue chemical crystal
which only simulates actual aquamarine in color and crystalline appearance. Your blue crystal clusters are formed in a water
(aqueous) soi,~tion
of monoammoniumphosphate which contains atoms of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen and phosphorous.
Actual aquamarine is formed under extreme pressure and heat over long periods of time. Actual aquamarine beryl is made
of atoms of beryllium, aluminum, silicon and oxygen. Both actual aquamarine and your chemically grown "Aquamarine Blue"
crystals form in the hexagonal crystal system.
Sometimes you may obtain needle-like crystals from your crystal growing experiments. Other conditions may produce
prismatic crystals. The difference maybe due to conditions of temperature or humidity, or to the in,purities given to the solution
by the "base rocks" that you use. Similar differences in crystal shape occur in nature because atorr s in the solution surrounding
the growing crystal are attracted more strongly to some surfaces (faces) than others. This means that different crystal faces
grow at different rates - the slower the rate of growth, the larger the face. Whenan impurity atora attaches itself to a growing
surface, it may alter the rate of growth of a particular face, and change the shape or "habit" of the crystal (needle-like to
prismatic, for example).
PROCEDURE
#7:
"AQUAMARINEBLUE" CRYSTALS
OVERVIEW- PROCEDURE
#7:
In procedure#7 - "Aquamanne
Blue" Crystals, you will growcrystal clusters
of a deepblue color on a baserock. Thecrystal growingchemicalcontains
monoammonium
phosphateand a concentrated food dye colorant. After
you have grownthe "AquamarineBlue" crystals, keep themas clean and
dry as possible. If they become
dusty, they maybe cleanedwith a soft brush
or with air froma gentle blowersuchas a hair dryer. Protect your finished
crystals fromharsh light andmoisture.
Youwill needthe following mateda,sto completethis procedure:
Safety goggles
Polybagcontaining "AquamarineBlue"
crystal growingchemical
Size "C" plastic crystal growingcup
Size "D" plastic crystal growingcup
Size "D" plastic crystal growingcuplid
Wooden
spatula (for stirring)
Saucepan
for boiling water (let your parents
help you with boiling water) ORstyrofoamcup
if wateris boiled in microwave
"Baserock" pieces to place in the bottom
of plastic crystal growingcupfor your crystals
to grow upon
El
Smallstoragejar with lid for stodngthe excess
solution for later steps or follow-up experiments
Newspaper
or plastic sheeting to cover
your workingarea to reducethe hazardof
spills ontable or floor
Flashlight
Magnifying glass
Small notebookandpencil for recording
the steps of procedure
Proceduresteps:
(1) Openpoly bag#7, the "Aquamarine
Blue" crystal growingchemicaland
pourthe contentsinto a size "C" plastic crystal growingcup.
(2) Usinga clean, dry wooden
spatula andyour magnifyingglass, carefully
look at the small grains andcrystals of the chemicalfrom the poly bag#7.
ALWAYS WEARYOUR SAFETY GOGGLESWHEN
PERFORMINGEXPER MENTS WITH CHEMICALS
OR DOING THE PROCEDURESOUTLINED FOR
CRYSTAL GROWINGAND SOLUTION MAKING!
BE CAREFUL WHEN HANDLING HOT WATER!
ALWAYS WEARYOUR SAFETY GOGGLESWHEN
BREAKINGUP ROCK~; FOR THE "BASE ROCKS"
FORYOURCRYSTAL,~;.
(3) After you haveexamined
the crystals, put a few (about 1/8 teaspoon)
thembackinto poly bag#7 for use as seedcrystals.
(4) Usingthe size "D" growingcup, fill with water to the uppermark, and
place this water into a saucepan.Place the saucePan
onto the stove and
heat until the wateris boiling.
(5) Pourthe boiling waterfrom the small saucepan
into the size "C" plastic
growingcup whichcontainsthe contentsfrompoly bag#7. Stir this mixture
with one of your woodenspatulas until all of the chemical grains have
dissolved completely.
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY GOGGLESWHEN
PERFORMINGEXPERIMENTS WITH CHEMICALS
OR DOING THE PROCEDURESOUTLINED FOR
CRYSTAL GROWINGAND SOLUTION MAKING!
BE CAREFUL WHEN HANDLING HOT WATER!
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY GOGGLESWHEN
BREAKING UP ROCKSFOR THE "BASE ROCKS"
FOR YOUR CRYSTALS.
(6) Place oneor two brokenrock fragmentsin the bottomof the size "D"
plastic growing cup. These"base rocks" should only comeup from the
bottomof the growingcup about 3/4" (or about 2 cm).
(7) Pourthe chemical/watersolution from the size "C" plastic cupINTOthe
size "D" crystal growingcup. Pour right over the baserocks. The liquid
shouldbe pouredin the cup so as to allow aboutone-third of an inch (8 mm)
of spacebetweentop of liquid andrim of cup.
(8) Fromthe poly bag, take a few crystals which you saved back, and
carefully deposittheseat different placeson the top of the rocks whichare
on the bottomof the size "D" plastic crystal growingcup. Youmayjust let
these"seed crystals" sink downthroughthe liquid andland on the rocks.
(9) Place the lid whichfits the top of size "D" cupon top of your crystal
solution cup.
(10) Set your"Aquamarine
Blue" crystal growingcup in a place whereit will
not be disturbed by movement
or changesin temperature.
(11) Recordin your notebookall of the steps whichyou have performed
during this experiment,including time, date, andwhichcrystal type you are
growing.Makesure you also label the crystal growingcup with the type of
crystal youare growingin it andwhenthe crystal will be readyto be removed
from the solution. You may use the RECORD
KEEPING
LOGat the end
of this experimentas a handyplace to record your data andresults.
(12) Yourcrystals will start growingin just a few hours. Youmayuse your
flashlight to look through the sides of the cup andwatchthe process.
(13) Allowthe crystals to growwithoutbeingdisturbedfor three or four days.
At that time you mayremoveyour crystals from the solution ORyou may
take off the lid andlet the solution evaporatefor a fewmoredays(to make
larger crystals). If youremove
the lid andlet the solution evaporate,a crust
of crystals mayformat the top of the solution or at the top rim of the crystal
growing cup. In any case removeyour growncrystals BEFORE
the top of
your crystals are exposed
throughthe surfaceof the solution. If the crystal
massand the "base rock" have formeda square shape due to the shape
of the growingcup, you maywantto break off excesscrystals which form
a square shape in order to makeyour crystal massdisplay look more
geologically natural.
(14) When
you are satisfied with the shapeandsize of your crystal mass
specimen,set it aside on a piece of newspaper
or papertowel andallow to
dry completelyfor one day.
Carefullypourboilingwaterinto crystalgrowingcup.Stir boiling
waterandchemicaluntil it is completelydissolved.Alwayshave
adult supervisionwhendealingwith boilingwater.
solutionfor later procedures.
Make
surethe jar hasa tight fitting lid.
(16) The crystals which mayhave grownon the sides or bottom of the
crystal growing cup can nowbe removedanddried on newspaper
or paper
toweling. After they are dry, return themto the "Aquamarine
Blue" crystal
poly bag#7, andsavethemfor use in a later procedure.
~
ALWAYS WEARYO,JR SAFETY GOGGLESWHEN
PERFORMINGEXPI£RIMENTS WITH CHEMICALS
OR DOING THE PF OCEDURESOUTLINED FOR
CRYSTAL GROWlkG AND SOLUTION MAKING!
BE CAREFUL WHEN HANDLING HOT WATER!
ALWAYS WEARYO’JR SAFETY GOGGLESWHEN
BREAKINGUP ROCKSFOR THE "BASE ROCKS"
FOR YOURCRYSTALS.
(17) If you prefer to growevenlarger "Aquamarine
Blue" crystals, you may
wish to combineyour excesssolution, andthe excesscrystals whichhave
formedon the bottomandsides of the growingcup together with about 20
milliliters (ml) of water.Fill the size "D"growingcupto the lower20mililiter
(ml) line to get the measurement
of water. Heat this mixture of excess
solution, excesscrystals and waterto boiling andstir constantly with a
wooden
spatula until all of the solid crystal andpowderhas dissolved. Be
sure to use a stainless steel or Teflon~) coated sauceDan
(NOTALUMINUM!)for this procedure.
(18) While the solution is cooling, place your "Aquamarine
Blue" crystal
cluster, previouslygrown,into a clean size "D" growingcup. Carefully pour
the newsolution over the "Aquamarine
Blue" cluster. Youdo not needto
addseed crystals this time. Covergrowingcup with lid and allow your
crystals to growas before.
RECORD
KEEPINGLOG: Procedure #7: "AQUAMARINE
BLUE" CRYSIALS
(1) Datethis procedurestarted:
Timestarted:
(2) Typeof "baserock" used(limestone,granite, etc.):
(3) Numberof "base rocks" used:
(4) Name of Chemical used: __
Total weight of "base rocks": __
PolybagNo.:
(5) Weightof Che~nicalused:
(6) Amountof Water used:
(7) Room
temperatureof crystal growing room:
(8) Temperature
of solution at beginningof procedure:
(9) Temperature
of solution at endof procedure:
’C.
(10) Temperature
of roomat end of procedure:
(11) Date whenfirst
crystal growth observed:
Time:
(12) Estimatedsize of first crystals seengrowing:
(13) Estimatedgrowthrate of crystals seengrowing:
(14) Date procedureended:
__
(15) Amountof dry crystal residue savedafter procedure:
(16) Amountof residue solution savedafter procedure:
Time
"EmeraldGreen~Crystals
Natural emeraldis a green variety of beryl. It is one of the mosthighly prized of all gems.Emeraldshavebeen knownfromthe time of
the Greeks,and wereminedin Egyptas early as 2000B.C. Crystals of emeraldare smaller than other beryl gemssuch as aquamarine(bluegreen), whichis one reason whylarge emeraldsare so valuable. Emeraldsdo not crystallize fromhot chemicalsolutions, as do the other
beryls, but growin solid rock as the temperatureand pressure increases. All beryls belongto the hexagonalcrystal system,and commonly
showsix-sided shapes called prisms. The deepgreen color in emeraldis due to the replacementof aluminum
by small amountsof chromium
during growthof the crystal. Naturalemeraldcontains inclusions of foreign materials that can be usedto distinguishit fromthe synthetic
gem.Theseinclusions, whichare trapped inside the crystal as it grows, can sometimesbe used to determinethe exact place wherethe
emeraldwas "found. The "EmeraldGreen"crystal clusters whichyou will growin Procedure#8 are, of course, not real emeralds. Your
chemical crystals are grownfrom a water (aqueous) solution containing monoammonium
phosphate and a green dye. Your chemically
growncrystals only simulate the color of real emeralds. Nonetheless,you will enjoy the beautiful shape (hexagonalsystem)and color
variations of your own"EmeraldGreen"crystals.
PROCEDURE
#8:
"EMERALDGREEN"CRYSTALS
OVERVIEW
- PROCEDURE
#8:
In procedure
#8- "Emerald
Green"
Crystals,youwill growcrystal clusters
of a greencolor on a baserock. Thecrystal growingchemicalcontains
monoammonium
phosphateand a concentratedfood dyecolorant. After
youhavegrownthe "Emerald
Green"crystals, keepthemas cleanand
as possible.If theybecome
dusty, they maybe cleanedwith a soft brush
or withair froma gentleblowersuchas a hair dryer.Protectyourf!nished
crystalsfromharshlight andmoisture.
ALWAYSWEARYOUR SAFETY GOGGLESWHEN
PERFORMING
EXPERIMENTSWITH CHEMICALS
OR DOING THE PROCEDURES
OUTLINED FOR
CRYSTALGROWING
AND SOLUTIONMAKING! BE
CAREFULWHEN
HANDLINGHOTWATER!ALWAYS
WEARYOURSAFETYGOGGLES
WHENBREAKING
UP ROCKSFOR THE "BASE ROCKS"FOR YOUR
CRYSTALS.
¯
Youwill needthe followingmaterialsto complete
this procedure:
Safetygoggles
Polybag#8 containing"EmeraldGreen"crystal growingchemical
Size"C" plastic crystal growing
cup
Size"D" plastic crystal growing
cup
Size"D" plastic crystalgrowing
cuplid
Wooden
spatula(for stirring)
Sauce
panfor boiling water(let yourparentshelpyouwith
boiling water)ORstyrofoam
cupif wateris boiledin microwave.
DONOTUSEANALUMINUM
saucepan. Usaonly a Teflor~)
coatedor stainless steel saucepan
"Baserock"piecesto placein the bottomof plastic crystal growing
cupfor your crystals to growupon
Smallstoragejar with lid for stodngthe excess
solutionfor
a later procedure.
Newspaper
or plastic sheetingto coveryour workingareato
reducethehazardof spills ontable or floor
Flashlight
Magnifyingglass
Smallnotebook
andpencil for recordingthe stepsof procedure
OR
youmayusethe recordkeepinglog at the endof this procedure
Procedure
steps:
(1) Openpoly bag#8, the "EmeraldGreen"crystal growingchemicaland
pourthecontentsinto a size"C" plastic crystalgrowing
cup.
(2) Usinga cleandry wooden
spatulaandyourmagnifying
glass, carefully
look at the smallgrainsandcrystalsof the chemical
fromthe pol,/beg#8.
(3) After youhaveexamined
the crystals, put a few(about1/8 teaspoon)
thembackinto poly bag#8 for useas seedcrystals.
(4) Usingthe size "D" growing
cup,fill with waterto the uppermark,and
placethis waterinto a saucepan.
Placethe saucepan
onto the stoveand
heatuntil thewateris boiling.
(5) Pourtheboiling waterfromthe smallsaucepan
into t.~ size"C" plastic
growing
cupwhichcontainsthe contentsfrompolybag#8. Stir this mixture
with oneof your wooden
spatulasuntil all of the chemicalgrains have
dissolvedcompletely.
10
Sometimes
youmayobtainneedle-likecrystalsfromyourcrystal
growing
experiments.
Otherconditionsmayproduce
prism-likecrystal
clusters.Thedifference
maybedueeitherto the conditions
of
temperature
orhumidity,
or to theimpurities
givento the solutionby
"baserocks"thoryouuse.
bottomof the growingcup about 3/4" (or about2 crn).
(7) Pourthe chemical/water
so/ution from the size "C" plastic cup INTOthe
size’D" crystal growingcup. Pour~ chemicalsolution right over the base
rocks. Theliquid shouldbe pouredin the cupso as to allow aboutone-third
of an inch (8 mm)of spacebetweentop of liquid andrim of cup.
(8) Fromthe poly bag, take a few crystals which you savedback, and
carefully depos~theseat different placeson the top of the "base rocks"
whichare on the bottomof the size "D" plastio crystal growingcup. Youmay
just let these"seedcrystals" sink downthroughthe liquid andlend on the
rocks.
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY GOGGLES WHEN
PERFORMINGEXPERIMENTS WITH CHEMICALS
OR DOING THE PROCEDURESOUTLINED FOR
CRYSTAL GROWINGAND SOLUTION MAKINGi BE
CAREFUL WHENHANDLING HOT WATER! ALWAYS
WEARYOURSAFETYCH~.-~GLES WHENBREAKING
UP ROCKSFOR THE ’BASE ROCKS" FOR YOUR
CRYSTALS.
(9) Place the lid whichfits the top of size "D" cup on top of your crys~
sotcrdo~cup.
(17) If you prefer to grow even larger "AquamarineBlue"
crystals, you maywish to combineyour excesssokrdon, and
the excess cwstals which have formed on the bottom and
(10) Set your "EmeraldGreen"crystal growingcup in a place whereit will
sidesof the growingcuptogetherwith about20 milliliters (ml)
not be disturbed by movement
or changesin temperature.
(11) Recordin your notebookall of the steps whichyou have performed of water.Fill the size "D" growingcup to the lower20 mililiter
of water. Heatthis mixtureof
duringthis experiment,including time, date, andwhichcrystal type youare (ml) line to get the measurement
growing.Makesure you also labet Ifm crystal growingcup with the type of excesssolution, excesscrystals andwaterto boiling andstir
spatulauntil all of the solid crystal
c~stal youare growingin it andwhenthe crystal will be readyto be removed constantlywith a wooden
from the solution. You mayuse the RECORD
KEEPING
LOGat the end andpowderhas d~ssoived.J3e sumto use a ste~nlesssteel or
Teflor~ coated saucaoan(NOTALUMINUM!)
for this proceof this procedureas a handyplace to record your data andresults.
dure.
(12) Yourcrystals will star growingin just a few hours. Youmayuse your
flashlight to look throughthe sides of the cup andwatchthe process.
(18) While the solution is (ooling, place your "Aquamarine
(13) Allowthe crystals to growwittx)ut beingdisturbedfor three or four days. Blue" crystal cluster, previously grown,into a clean size "D"
At that time you mayremoveyour crystals from the solution ORyou may growingcup. Carefully pou~the newsolution over the "Aquatake off the lid andlet the solution evaporatefor a fewmoredays(to make marineBlue"cluster. Youclc, not needto addseedcrystals this
larger cwstals). If you remove
the lid andlet ~hesolution evaporate,a crust time. Covergrowingcup with lid and allow your crystals to
of crystals mayformat the top of the solutionor at the top rim of the crystal grow as before.
growing cup. In any case removeyour growncrystals BEFORE
the top of
your crystals are exposed
through’thesurfaceof the solution. If the crystal
massand ~ "base rock" have formed a square shape due to the shape
of the growingcup, you maywantto break off excesscrystals whichform
a square shape in order to makeyour crystal massdisplay look more
(14) When
you are satisfied with the shapeand size of your crystal mass
specimen,set it ask~eon a place of newspaper
or papertowel andallow to
dry completelyfor oneday.
(15) Pourthe extra solution fromthe growingcup to a storagejar. Labelthe
jar with transparenttape as to whichsolution the jar contains.Retainthis
jar of solutionfor later procedures.
Make
surethe jar hasa tight tiffing lid.
(16) The crystals which mayhave grownon the sides or bottom of the
crysta~ growing cup can nowbe removedanddried on newspaperor paper
toweling. After they are dry, return themto the "EmeraldGreen"crystal poly
bag #8, andsavethemfor use in a later procedure.
["
RECORO
KEEPINGLOG: Procedure #8: "EMERALD
GREEN"CRYSTALS
(1) Datethis ;x’ocedum
started:
(2) Typeof "baserock"u~ed(limestone,
granite,etc.):
(3) Nurnbe~
of "t)e, se rocks"used:
(4) Name
of Chem¢~
used:
(5) weloteo~ChemicaJ
use(J:
(8) Amount
of Waterused:
(7) Room
temperature
of (WstaJgrowingroom:
(8) Tem0emture
of solutionat bngin~ng
of procedure:
(9) Temperature
of solu’donat endof ixocedure:
(10) Temperature
of roo~at eflcl of wocedure:
Time:
(12) EMimated
~ of firat c~ seefl gcowing:
(13) Estimatedgrowthrate of cP~seengrowing:
(14) DateWocadure
ended:
(15) Amcunt
of dn/crystel residuesavedafter procedure:
(16) Amount
of residuesolutionsavedi~ter pnx~eclum:
Tlnte:
_1
¯ FOLLOW-UPEXPERIMENTS
TROUBLESHOOTING:
WHATIF MY CRYSTALSDON’T GROW?
After completing all of the procedures, you should now
havea collection of various crystal specimens
of different
crystalline shapesand colors.
Youwill also havean assortmentof "saved"residuechemical solutions and residue crystals. You mayexperiment
with these to try and grow your own crystals. Youmay
experimentwith growinglarge single crystals or with growing clusters of crystals. Youmayalso wantto try to grow
multi-coloredcrystals by first growinga crystal cluster of
one color and then changingthe solutions to havethe final
growthof thosecrystals of a different color.
For example:if you use the chemicalsfrom the "Aquamarine Blue" crystal procedureas well as colored chemicals
from the "Golden Citrine" and "Emerald Green" proceo
dures, what kind of results can you obtain?
You have seen that by evaporating solutions you can
concentrate the growing solutions to makethe crystal
growths larger. Remember,
whenevaporation happensin
a solution, the chemicalsremainin the solution andonly the
water evaporates.
Try experiments of your owndesign, evaporating small
amounts of various saved solutions and describe the
results.
Onall of the experiments
whichyoutry on your own,be sure
to keepdetailed notesso that if youdiscovera newcrystal
you can reproduceyour results again.
If crystals do not grow properly there can be several
reasons.If no growthis observed,you haveprobably used
too muchwater. If this is the case,just remove
the solution
andre-boil it in a stainless steel or Teflon® coatedsaucepan or in a non-aluminumsaucepanwhich is no longer
usedfor cooking.Let the solution cool andpourit backinto
the crystal growingcup. If youusetoo little water, youmay
get manyvery small crystals. In this case, simplyadda bit
morewater to your growingsolution, reheatit, cool it, and
addit backto your crystal growingcup.
Sometimes
the type of "base rocks" which are used will
hinder the growthof crystals. Some"baserocks" seemnot
to accept crystals growing on them. You will have to
experimentwith what type of "base rock" worksbest with
your different procedures.
Alwaystry to keepgoodrecords, and carefully measureall
chemicalsand water to makeyour solutions.
The temperature in the roomwhich you select for your
crystal growingis an important factor. The temperature
should remainfairly constantand unchanging.Humidityin
the air also will causechangesin crystal growth.Humidity
affects howfast the solutions will evaporateand therefore
howlong it will take for somecrystals to grow.
Whilecrystals are growing,try not to disturb them.Youmay
useyourflashlight to obsor’.~etheir growth,but tP) to doso
without disturbing the crystal growingcup.
LIST OF SET CONTENTS
1 Packet
........
1 Packet
........
1 Packet
........
OnePair........
One
...............
Three
.............
Three
.............
"Emerald Green" crystal growing chemical (monoammonium
phosphateand food dye colorant)
"GoldenC;itrine" c~lstal growing chemical (monoammonium
phosphateand food dye colorant)
"AquamarineBlue" crystal growing chemical (monoammonium
phosphateand food dye colorant)
Safety goggles
Size "C plastic crystal growingcup
Size "D" plastic crystai growingcups
Size "D" lids
Two
...............
One
...............
One
...............
One
...............
Woodenspatulas
Instruction booklet
Magnifying glass
Poly bag containing granite "base rocks"
DEAR CUSTOMER:
If you foundany problemswith this set, wewouldlike to help. Pleasewrite to us andsendthe following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Date of Purchase
Where Purchased
Price Paid
Model Number
Nameof Item
Brief description of Problem
Include Sales Slip
Wewill do our best to satisfy you. Sendyour letter to:
NATURALSCIENCE INDUSTRIES, LTD.
910 ORLANDOAVENUE
WESTHEMPSTEAD,N.Y. 11552
A’I-FENTION QUALITY CONTROL
DEPT.
12