Monoammonium phosphate is one of the chemicals included in commercial crystal growing kits because it is safe and practically foolproof for producing a mass of crystals quickly. The pure chemical yields clear crystals, but you can add food coloring to get any color you desire.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: one day
Here's How:
- Stir six tablespoons of monoammonium phosphate into 1/2 cup of very hot water in a clear container. I use water heated from an electric drip coffee maker and a drinking glass (which I wash before using it again for beverages).
- Add food coloring, if desired.
- Stir until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Within a day, you'll have a bed of long, thin crystals blanketing the bottom of the glass. It's that easy.
Tips:
- If your powder doesn't completely dissolve, it means your water probably should have been hotter. It's not the end of the world to have undissolved material with these crystals, but if it concerns you, heat the solution in a microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally, until it's clear.
- Monoammonium phosphate, NH4•H2PO4, crystallizes in quadratic prisms. The chemical is used in animal feed, plant fertilizers, and is found in some dry chemical fire extinguishers.
- This chemical may cause irritation and itching. If you spill it on your skin, wash it off with water. Inhaling the powder may lead to coughing and a sore throat. Monoammomium phosphate is not toxic, but it's not exactly edible.
What You Need:
- monoammonium phosphate
- hot water
- clear container
