Janet

We are having trouble growing crystals with those commercial kits (several
of them now). Now, dh and I are NOT idiots (<G>) in the science lab
department (he worked in a lab for over 8 years and I took enough science
and chemistry labs in college) but these kits don't seem to work for us.

Problem #1: following the directions with the boiled water has caused
melting of the plastic trays provided, and even with the water that hot we
cannot seem to get all of the original crystal material to dissolve.

Problem#2: plasticware provided seems to spring leaks at inopportune
moments (like when filled to the brim with deeply dyed liquid :( )

Problem#3: we pour the liquid over the rock, add the seed crystals, and
NOTHING HAPPENS! Directions say crystals will grow in several hours;
nothing grows here for days.

Has anyone had any success at all with these kits and if so, any hints?
We're thinking of using glassware next time around to avoid the
melting/leaking part. Dd is getting disappointed because she really wants
to grow some crystals. It doesn't seem like it should be this hard.

Janet, mom to Caroline, 7, and Thomas, 3

[email protected]

Would it be possible that your tap water has some minerals or chemicals like
chlorine in it that are interfering with the process? You might try distilled
water. Or spring water since it seems to work in caves ;-)

Joyce