How to Make Crystals for Kids

(Last Updated On: 9th Jan, 2023)

Crystals are a fascinating topic for kids. They are pretty, they sparkle and they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. But what exactly are crystals for kids?

To put simply, a crystal is a solid piece of matter that has a regular, repeating pattern of molecules. Imagine if you took a bunch of building blocks and stacked them up in a particular way so that each block touched four other blocks. That would be an example of a crystal structure.

One of the most common examples of a crystal is salt (also known as sodium chloride). When you look at salt under a microscope, you can see that it is made up of small cubic crystals.

Diamonds are another type of well-known crystals – they have an extremely strong chemical structure which is why they are so valuable.

How to Make Crystals for Kids

There are lots of different ways to grow crystals. You can buy pre-made kits from the store, or do some simple experiments at home with items you probably already have around the house! All you need is something for your crystals to grow on (like string), something for them to dissolve in (like water), and patience while they form.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

  1. Salt Crystals
  2. Sugar Crystals
  3. Borax Snowflakes
  4. Crystal Geodes

Have fun exploring the world of crystals!

Salt Crystals

You will need:

  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • food coloring (optional)
  • String or yarn
  • Pencil or chopstick

First, make a saturated salt solution by dissolving as much salt into the water as you can. If you are using food coloring, add a few drops and stir until combined.

Tie one end of the string around the pencil or chopstick, and lower it into the solution so that the string is fully submerged.

Make sure there are no air bubbles trapped on the string. Leave your crystal garden in a cool undisturbed place overnight.

In the morning, carefully remove your crystals from their “clothesline” and enjoy!

Sugar Crystals

You will need:

  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • food coloring (optional)
  • jar or container to grow crystals
  1. First, make a supersaturated sugar solution by stirring sugar into boiling water until no more will dissolve. If you are adding food coloring, add it now and stir until combined.
  2. Pour this hot sugar syrup into your jar or container – try not to splash yourself! Allow the solution to cool undisturbed until it is just warm to the touch.
  3. Next, tie one end of your string around a pencil or chopstick and lower it into the sugar syrup so that the string is fully submerged.
  4. Make sure there are no air bubbles trapped on the string. Leave your crystal garden in a cool undisturbed place overnight. In the morning, carefully remove your crystals from their “clothesline” and enjoy!

Borax Snowflakes

You will need:

  • 3/4 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup borax powder
  • large bowl or container
  • pipe cleaners or wool threads
  • food coloring (optional)
  1. First, make a Borax solution by stirring borax powder into boiling water until it is completely dissolved. If you are adding food coloring, add a few drops now and stir until combined.
  2. Pour this hot Borax solution into your large bowl or container – be careful not to splash yourself!
  3. While the Borax solution is still hot, shape pipe cleaners into snowflake designs and dip them into the solution.
  4. Theoretically, you could also use wool threads instead of pipe cleaners but they may not be as easy to work with. The hot Borax solution will cause the pipe cleaners to stiffen and crystallize almost immediately.
  5. Leave your snowflakes in the solution until they are completely cooled. Gently remove them from the bowl and enjoy your glittery creations!

Crystal Geodes

You will need:

  • 1 eggshell
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • jar or container to grow crystals in
  • food coloring (optional)
  1. First, thoroughly clean out an eggshell so that it is completely free of any cracks or residue. You can do this by soaking it in warm soapy water and then using a toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn bits.
  2. Once the eggshell is clean, place it in a jar or container along with the vinegar. If you are adding food coloring, add a few drops now and stir gently until combined. It’s important not to agitate the mixture too much or you risk cracking the eggshell.
  3. Allow your mixture to sit undisturbed for 24 hours – during this time, the vinegar will start to dissolve the calcium carbonate shell of the egg creating little nooks and crannies for crystals to form on.
  4. After 24 hours, remove the eggshell from the jar (being careful not to splash yourself with the vinegar solution) and allow it to dry. Once it is completely dry, your crystal geode is ready to be enjoyed!

So there you have it – four different ways to grow or make your own crystals for kids at home!

Have fun exploring the world of crystals with your kids and see what beautiful creations you can come up with.

Good Crystals for Kids

There are a variety of crystals that can be beneficial for children, depending on their specific needs. Some helpful stones for kids include:

Amethyst

A powerful detoxifier, amethyst can help to purify the mind and body and promote restful sleep. It is also said to enhance concentration and aid in overcoming addictions.

Aventurine

A crystal of luck and good fortune, aventurine is thought to bring serenity and balance to young minds. It is also said to boost confidence and vitality.

Citrine

Happy, positive crystal, citrine is known as the “success stone.” It is said to promote creativity, self-expression, and mental clarity. Citrine can also help alleviate fears and phobias.

Fluorite

Excellent stone for focus and concentration, fluorite can be beneficial for children who struggle with ADD/ADHD or other learning difficulties. Fluorite is also known as a “calming” crystal that can encourage feelings of peace and tranquility.

Hematite

A stone of grounding and stability, hematite can be helpful for kids who are easily overwhelmed or tend to be scatterbrained. It is also said to boost self-esteem and courage.

Jade

A stone of wisdom and longevity, jade is thought to promote good fortune, grace, and vitality. It is also known as a “dream” crystal that can bring clarity and insight during periods of introspection.

Lapis Lazuli

Stone of protection and inner strength, lapis lazuli is believed to guard against negative energies and cultivate feelings of confidence and self-awareness. It is also said to enhance mental clarity and concentration.

Moonstone

Also known as the “traveler’s stone,” moonstone is said to promote safe journeys (both physical and spiritual). It is also thought to stimulate the imagination, inspire creativity, and promote inward reflection.

Obsidian

Powerful protective stone, obsidian guards against negative energy of all kinds. It has been used since ancient times for shamanic journeying and cleansing rituals. Obsidian can help children feel safe in unfamiliar environments or during times of upheaval or change.

Turquoise

Stone of communication and truth, turquoise is thought to enhance the ability to express oneself clearly and confidently. It is also said to promote inner harmony and balance. Turquoise is known as a “healing” crystal that can protect against negative energy and attract positive vibes.

Summary

There are many benefits of crystals for kids. Crystals can help kids to feel more calm and relaxed, to focus better at school, and to improve their sleep patterns. Additionally, crystals can also help to reduce stress and anxiety in children.

One of the most important benefits of crystals for kids is that they can help to improve the quality of sleep.

If your child is having difficulty sleeping through the night or suffering from nightmares, placing a crystal near their bed may help them to relax and get a more restful night’s sleep.

Crystals can also be beneficial for kids who have trouble focusing or paying attention in school.

If your kid is constantly fidgeting or has difficulty concentrating, placing a crystal on their desk may help them to stay focused and still during class time.

In addition to the physical benefits mentioned above, crystals can also be helpful for promoting emotional well-being in children.

If your child is feeling anxious or stressed, holding or wearing a calming crystal such as amethyst may help them to feel more relaxed and at peace.