DIY Crystallography: Grow Your Own Crystal Coral Reef

On a cool January morning I marched into Smyths Toys store in Galway city to find myself standing in front of a small science section. I noticed a DIY Crystallography – Deep Sea Grow Kit for just 5 Euros and decided to give it a try. I never knew you can grow your own crystal coral reef right at home. I’m just an amateur on the subject of crystallography. But hey, I’m learning something new every day.

Deep Sea Crystal Grow Kit – Contents

What does the science kit box contain which was just bought for a five Euro note, you ask? Why, multiple things actually. In the box you will find 32 objects, including:

sea-inspired cardboard objects
petri dishes
markers
crystal growing solution

Instructions: How to Grow Deep Sea Crystals:

1.Colour the Cardboard Objects

I first took out the cardboard pieces and used markers to colour the white cardboard pieces.

2. Assemble the Cardboard Pieces

Then, take 2 cardboard pieces of the same shape and slide them into one another (one piece will have a top slit halfway down and the other will have it slit in the middle from the bottom. Take the newly assembled cardboard object and put it into a petri dish (slide it into the middle).

3.Pour the Crystal-Growing Solution

Then, I poured the crystal-growing solution over the cardboard pieces- this liquid substance contains potassium monophosphate, which is a great ingredient to grow crystal corals. No need to dissolve it, it is already in a liquid form. So, grab the bag with liquid in it, and pour over the pieces which are in the petri dishes. Pour over the branches, so you can get a really cool effect of the crystals.

4. Wait 8 hours

In the first few hours (0-8hrs) there may be no signs of crystals. I noticed no change in the first few hours. The box does promote crystal growth after the first 8 hours, and so I kindly waited. The next morning I wake up to my science experiment and to amazingly grown crystals.

What Happens?

The crystal growth branched out on the edges of the cardboards. And the more liquid the petri dish contained, the bigger the growth of crystals on the cardboard.

I found very little information on the growing solution used, the kit didn’t contain much educational information, so I researched on the internet and discovered that when the dissolved monopotassium phosphate is poured over the cardboard:

The cardboard will soak the monopotassium phosphate substance.
The water mixed with monopotassium phosphate will slowly dry, leaving behind tiny crystal pieces that stick together and grow bigger, and bigger.

Is this a chemical reaction? No, this experiment shows a physical change.

To quickly describe the difference between a physical and a chemical reaction:

A chemical reaction usually experiences things like a brand new substance can be created or there is heat or light coming from it. In this case, none of this is happening.
In a physical reaction, there is a difference in appearance and or smell, without a change in its composition.

What we see is a physical change, the chemical we poured was in a liquid state, and after the water dried, the chemicals snapped back together, forming a solid shape.

What are the key takeaways from this Deep Sea Grow Experiment?

Let’s drop down some interesting facts about the experiment and give it a final verdict:

Experiment Set-up time: 1-2 hours – The setup took about one to two hours, with the overall painting of the cardboards, setting them up in the petri dishes and pouring the growing solution.
First Signs of Changes Recorded: 8+ hours – The first appearance of crystals was after a about eight hours. It is recommended to not move them and keep them at the room temperature overnight.
Price for Experiment – €5 – Yes, the kit cost only five Euros, which is a great and inexpensive way to learn about crystallography in a fun way and at home.
Result – fully grown crystals at home – so exciting!

It was a really exciting experiment for amateur beginners in science. And I don’t care how old you are, if you have an itch for science and exploration, then follow your gut and start exploring! Just make sure you read the instructions before you start any experiment and that you are old enough!

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