Crystals have a special attraction: their natural faces are distinguished by strict geometry, which is usually characteristic of objects that have undergone technical processing.
In order to create a beautiful unique thing you yourself should know how to grow a crystal, and show a little patience. It's great if you add children to the growing of crystals, for which this process seems to be real magic. The size of the crystal is in direct proportion to the time it takes to grow it. If the crystallization process is slow, a single crystal of fairly large dimensions is formed, if quickly - small crystals are obtained.
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Methods of growing crystals
There are several methods for growing crystals.
Cooling of saturated solution
This method is based on the physical law, which states that the solubility of substances becomes less when the temperature is lowered. From the sediment formed during the dissolution of the substance, first appear tiny crystals, gradually turning into crystals of regular shape.
Gradual evaporation of water from solution
The container with a saturated solution is left open for a rather long time. It should be covered with paper, so that the evaporation of water occurs slowly, and the solution is protected from room dust. It is better to hang the crystal on the thread. If it lies on the bottom, then the growing crystal must be turned from time to time. As the water gradually evaporates, a saturated solution is added as needed.
What can be grown from crystal?
It is possible to grow crystals from various substances: sugar, baking soda, sodium bicarbonate. Another salt (in the sense of a chemical compound), as well as certain types of organic acids, will suit perfectly.
Growing crystals from salt
Table salt is a substance available in any home. To grow its transparent cubic crystals, it is necessary to prepare a working solution. 200 ml of water in a glass beaker (jar) are placed in a bowl with water + 50 ... + 60 degrees. The glass pours out the salt, it mixes and briefly leaves.
Under the influence of heat, the salt dissolves. Then the salt is added again and mixed again. The procedure is repeated until the salt ceases to dissolve and begins to settle to the bottom. The supersaturated solution is poured into a clean vessel, equal in volume, while the salt residues are removed from the bottom. Choosing a larger crystal, tie it to the thread and hang it so that it does not touch the walls of the container, or spread it to the bottom.
After a few days, the changes in the crystal become noticeable. The process of growth can last as long as the crystal size does not suit you.
To make the crystals color, you can use food colors.
Cultivation of crystals from copper sulfate
Similarly grow blue-green crystals of copper sulfate.
A saturated solution is also made in which a crystal of copper sulfate salt is placed. But since this substance has chemical activity, it is better to use distilled water.
How to grow a crystal from soda?
Two glasses filled with hot water, in each poured a few spoons of baking soda until it ceases to dissolve (a precipitate is formed). A saucer is placed between the glasses. A piece of coarse thread is attached to the paper clips. One clip clings to the wall of one glass, the second to the other. The ends of the thread must be in solution, and the thread itself must sag without touching the saucer. To crystals grow well, it is necessary to pour the solution as evaporation.
Now there are kits for growing crystals. Of the powders of chemicals, one can obtain unusual prismatic and acicular crystals.
Also with children, you can conduct various experiments with water or try to make a glowing liquid .