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.
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.
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
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,
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;
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