Old revisionsBacklinksExport to PDFODT exportBack to top Recent ChangesPrintPermalink × Crystal growing Name Crystal growing Description Experimenting with crystal growing Status Running Contact metalgamer Participants Copper Sulfate Picture 1.1: Materials The first crystals, that we are growing are copper sulfate crystals. They give an intense blue color and are quite easy to grow. For this, we need to acquire Copper(II)-sulfate pentahydrate. The chemical formula is: $\ce{ CuSO4 * 5 H2O }$ Be aware that Copper(II)-sulfate pentahydrate is an irritant and when swallowed it is even toxic. Handle with care and take the necessary precautions! Gather your materials: Copper(II)-sulfate pentahydrate Water Beaker Glass dish Spoon Skewer String Funnel Cotton pad Tape Plastic Wrap Picture 1.2: Finished solution of Copper(II)-sulfate pentahydrate Begin with boiling about 800ml of water. When it is boiling, transfer it to the beaker and start adding Copper(II)-sulfate pentahydrate until nothing will dissolve anymore. It should have a deep blue color, see picture 1.2. Pour a little of the solution onto the glass dish, this will be used to grow some seed crystals. See picture 1.3. Picture 1.3: Solution on glass dish Now, we have to wait, until we have seed crystals: Picture 1.4: After 2 hoursPicture 1.5: After 3 hours After about 3 hours, we can pick out one of the seed crystals and fix them to a piece of string (picture 1.6). Use a skewer to fix the height of the crystal. Picture 1.6: Seed crystal on stringPicture 1.7: Seed crystal in solution This seed crystal can now be hung into the solution, attach the skewer with tape and let it sit overnight. Cover the beaker with plastic wrap to protect the solution from dust. Picture 1.8: Crystal after growing overnightPicture 1.9: Polycrystals of Copper(II)-sulfate pentahydrate The next day, take out your polycrystals and filter the solution. Use a cotton pad in your funnel. Picture 1.10: FilteringPicture 1.11: Filtering with cotton pad Clear out the bottom of the beaker, as a lot of crystals have grown on it. Picture 1.12: Crystals on bottom of beaker After the solution has been filtered, pour it back into the beaker and hang your polycrystal back into it. Picture 1.13: Crystals in solution after filtering After one week, filter the solution again and clean the beaker. Picture 1.14: Crystals after one weekPicture 1.15: Crystals after one week projects/science/crystal_growing.txt Last modified: 2022/03/02 19:32by wc3lmin