Introduction: A crystal is a solid whose atoms are arranged in a specific repeating pattern. Real crystals undergo years to grow, but today's scientists have obtained a way to grow crystals right in the lab. They have also been effective in finding a way for people who aren’t scientists to grow crystals in the comfort of our own home. Although they may not be the same crystals we wear as jewelry, they give us a basic idea of the unique types of crystals that are made, formed and grown all over the world. The purpose of this experiment is to successfully grow a crystal. Materials: • Epsom Salt • Food Coloring • Beaker, Small bowl, or Jar Procedure: 1. Bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil. 2. In the beaker, bowl, or jar, add ½ cup of Epsom salt. …show more content…
Crystals form underground when magma from the earths crust cools, it solidifies and brings in indigenous rocks. Those indigenous rocks have randomly arranged crystals in them. The slower the magma cools, the bigger the rock grows. Crystals form in the lab by creating a saturated solution. 2.) How might we grow a diamond in the lab? Research this and list your …show more content…
The CVD process is supposed to “improve their color and optical clarity” (Scientists). Unlike real diamonds that are formed under high pressures, the CVD process uses low pressure and only produces a single crystal. Because of this, they can be diamonds can be made quickly and fewer defects. Also stated in the article, “The Carnegie team could take these synthetic diamonds and anneal them at temperatures up to 3,632 degrees Fahrenheit (2,000 degrees Celsius) at pressures below atmospheric pressure. The annealing process turns the diamond crystals, which are originally yellow-brown, colorless, or light pink. The process also has minimal graphitization” (Science). 3.) How long did it take to form your crystal and which crystal did you grow? It took me 24 hours to grow the crystal, and I grew an Epsom salt crystal. 4.) What is the formula of the compound you chose for your crystal? The formula for an Epsom salt crystal is (MgSO4) 7H2O. 5.) How might you alter your procedure to make a larger and more defined crystal? I would alter this experiment by doubling the recipe and keeping the crystal in the refrigerator for 2 days to get a larger, more defined crystal. 6.) Describe what type of crystal structure your crystals have? My crystal has a rectangular shape. The crystals are also small and compact. Work Cited