Growing Crystals: Nature's Gems

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of my project was to determine if temperature has an effect on crystal growth. I predicted that crystals grown in colder temperatures would grow faster but less regularly than those grown in warmer temperatures. Methods/Materials I used two methods to grow crystals: closed jar and evaporation. For the closed jar method, I put two jars each of aluminum potassium sulfate (alum) and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) supersaturated solutions in three temperature environments: 78 F, 58 F, and 38 F. Before sealing the jars, I suspended paper clips to provide a surface for crystal attachment. In the evaporation method, I placed two jars of alum in each temperature environment. For this method, I suspended seed crystals in open jars. Results The colder the temperature was, the larger, heavier, and less regular the crystals were. The crystals grown in the different temperature zones varied considerably, but these differences could be most clearly see in the Epsom salt crystals. Conclusions/Discussion These experimental results supported my hypothesis. Therefore, when growing crystals, it is preferable to grow them in warmer environments, even though the rate of crystal growth will slow, because the crystals will be more regular. This finding is important because of the widespread use of synthetic crystals in electronic and optical devices.

Competition history

• CSEF 2003 Chemistry · Entry J0528

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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