Crystals, both natural and artificially produced, have great importance in industry and economy. For example, in addition to their use in jewelry, diamonds and rubies are used extensively in cutting tools and lasers. Growing your own crystals can be a creative way to learn many aspects of basic physics, chemistry and geology. It can also give you a solid grounding in the collection and presentation of scientific data. Crystal growing is also lots of fun!

Did you know all snowflakes have six sides? Or that a close look at table salt reveals tiny, perfect cubes? These solids are crystals, which have formed by a regular internal pattern of atoms. A diamond cutter can turn a shapeless, raw diamond into a beautiful sparkling gem because he knows the internal arrangement of carbon atoms will allow fractures along certain, definite faces.

In this document we offer some crystal growing tips and then define some terms.

Then for the fun part, we have found six experiments listed below for you to try. Some of them can be attempted using everyday household products. Take a look at number one, Simple Crystals on a String. Others require certain chemicals that are safe, but may be harder to find around the house.