science project - homemade crystal garden - easy recipe

This crystal garden recipe is just for fun and definitely not edible. It will take a little patience to see results. However, it should yield a colorful and fun lesson in science for the kids.

Colored crystals will grow on coal or garden rocks after being covered with a simple concoction. You should have most of the ingredients around the house, except perhaps for the liquid bluing.


Crystal Garden
garden rock or chunks of charcoal or coal
6 tablespoons plain salt (NOT iodized)
6 tablespoons liquid bluing (see Note)
6 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon ammonia
Food coloring (optional)

Combine salt, bluing, water and ammonia. Pour over small pieces of garden rock, chunks of charcoal or coal in a disposable aluminum pie pan (throw away when done). Drip food coloring on top, if desired. Set bowl on a tray or wooden board as crystals grow over the sides of the bowl. Crystals will begin to grow within a few hours. Crystals will continue to grow if you keep watering it.

Note: Liquid bluing can be found in most markets in with the laundry soaps and products. The most popular brand is Mrs. Stewart's Liquid Bluing and is used as a laundry whitener.

Great Gift Idea
Gift Basket for Kids: Jump rope,Play Dough,Silly Putty, yo-yo, balloons, candles,bubbles, books, favorite DVD and/or CD, puzzles, stickers, crayons, markers, gift certificates, favorite snack food, crystal garden.

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