Australia's Science Forum

Hi everyone,

I need some help please regarding crystal gardens.
I'm after an experiment that forms crystals (pretty much in front of your eyes).
Just wondering if anyone knows any of the quick forming crystals?
I know you can buy some kits from toy shops, but that isn't an option for us.

Thanks heaps
Julz

Hi Julia

We made some pretty spectacular crystals just the other day using waterglass and small amounts of various salts. The recipe I use is from a really old practical chemistry book. Can fax it to you if you would like it. Just let me know your fax number.

Julie

Thanks Julie,

My fax number here is 95311991. Look forward to receiving it.
Many thanks
Julia

Would you mind sending it to me too ?
My fax number is 69225659 and if you mark to "Attn: Louise - Science" I'd be very grateful.
Thanks,
Lou P.

Hi Julia.
this works really well

Use as many as possible to ensure colourful result
CuSO4, CoCl2,MgSO4,Al2(SO4)3,KAl(SO4)2,FeSO4,FeCl3,NiSO4,Sr(NO3)2
water glass (sodium silicate solution) of density 1:10

Fill a beaker with glass water, carefully drop the lums onto the bottom of the container some crystals will start immediately, if water glass is higher density the crystals will grow faster. The liquid can be tipped off to view cristals
cheers jazz

Hi Jazz,

I'll give it a go. I've never tried the glass water before so it'll be a bit of trial and error. Thanks for the tip
Julz

Thanks Julie! Received your fax yesterday, great work!
We are looking forward to giving your recipe a go. Also we have enjoyed the fact that someone has an "8S6" to survive, as don't we all!
Lou P.

Hi Julie,
Can you please re-fax me the crystals please. I haven't recieved it, but I didn't give you the area code either.
My fax is 08 95311991
Thanks Julz

Hi, Could anyone please fax me a copy of the Crystal Garden recipe please.

Our fax no is 68953501 Thanks Leanne

Could you please fax us with the recipe for the crystal gargen experiment. Much appreciated. Emme


our fax is 93114532

Hi,
For those on a budget water glass solution may be diluted down with water 50:50, hot water works really well, dilutejust before adding crystals and i always use a bed of sand for the crystals to grow from (1cm will do in beaker or test tube) and save old containers as cleaning is impossible.

Hi All,
I am also looking for the recipe for crystal gardens. I would really appreciate it if someone would fax it to me.

Att: Lorrae
fax no: 02 48613328

Thanks in anticipation

Lorrae

Hi Lorrae,
I will fax you the crystal garden material that we use. You should get it this afternoon.

Regards, Helen

Hi;
I'd like to give it a go as I haven't done this before. Would you please email the recipe for me or fax it to 02 9959 4460 Att: Marjan, Science
Many thanks
Marjan