Crystal Growth Instructions

Step 1: 

Begin by making a saturated solution of Potassium Alum (salt). Dissolve 100 grams of the Alum in 500 mL of hot (near boiling) water. Slowly stir your solution until all of the crystals have dissolved.

Step 2:

Allow the solution to cool down (20-30 minutes). While you are waiting for your solution to cool down, this is a good time to prepare the string that the crystals will grow on.

Tip: We noticed that when we used a thin rubber band as a string, we were able to pull the crystal right out after it had formed the next day and therefore had a crystal specimen without and string or bands connected.

Step 3:

When the saturated solution of Potassium Alum has cooled down to room temperature, carefully pour it into a clean beaker or glass making sure that no undissolved or already crystallized salt gets transferred during the process. 

Step 4:

You may see some crystals in your new beaker so you can transfer it once more into another clean beaker. You can use a coffee filter if you have them but it is not necessary. You can also use a strainer to support the filter.     

Step 5:

After transferring the solution and filtering all visible crystals, sit the dowel with string on top of your beaker or glass with the string immersed in the solution. 

Step 6:

Cover the beaker with a napkin because crystals will form on practically anything that gets inside the cup. 

Step 7:

As the water begins to evaporate, the salt will begin to form crystals on the string. It may take a few hours or even up to a day to see crystals so be patient and observe it periodically.

Try this! See if you can grow different size crystals. Attempt to figure out what factors determine the size and shape of the crystal.

You can also add food coloring to add a cool and colorful look to your crystals.