Growing crystals doesn't have to be a tedious, time-consuming process. It's true perfect specimen-quality crystals can take some dedication to produce, but if you want crystals and you want them now there are projects that give instant gratification. In addition to being quick, these projects are also safe for kids.
1. Cup of Crystal Needles
Anne Helmenstine
Grow a cupful of epsom salt crystal needles in your refrigerator. It's quick, easy, and safe.
2. Borax Crystal Snowflake
Anne Helmenstine
These crystals grow overnight, but if you start them right before you go to sleep, it's almost as good as instant crystals.
3. Quick Sheet Crystals
Anne Helmenstine
This project will ice a pan with a sheet of crystals within seconds. Very fast, very cool.
4. Crystal Spikes in the Sun
The instructions, as written, call for evaporating the crystal solution on construction paper, but I prefer to use thinner and less-colorsafe tissue paper for quicker and brighter crystals.5. Patio Table Crystals
Anne Helmenstine
Turn the surface of your glass patio table into a safe place for kids to explore crystals. Here's an easy crystal project you can do on any warm, sunny day using ingredients from your kitchen.
6. Salt Crystal Rings & Ferns
Anne Helmenstine
You can use heat for force salt crystal evaporation. The water evaporates and rings form while you watch.
7. Alum Crystals
Anne Helmenstine
Alum crystals grow quickly. The crystals in this photo grew overnight.
