I have some fun facts about crystals for kids for you to use. Also, look at my page Free Homeschool Geology Unit Study for more hands-on activities.
Then, we’re learning how to make crystals with a fun hands-on science activity.
Imagine a crystal as a kind of super cool, sparkling rock.
But not just any rock – crystals have a special structure that makes them unique.
Before we jump into the formation process, let’s quickly review what crystals are.
Crystals are solid materials where the atoms or molecules are arranged in a repeating pattern that extends in all directions.
This orderly arrangement gives crystals their unique shapes and their ability to sparkle in the light.
Think of crystals like tiny, perfect building blocks stacked together in a specific pattern.
Books About the Study of Geology for Kids
Crystals come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Some are pointy and sharp, like a sparkling diamond.
Others might look like clusters of tiny, shiny pieces stuck together.
You can find them in all sorts of colors, too—bright reds, deep blues, and even sparkly clear ones!
5 Geology Unit Study Resources
Add these books and resources for a fun homeschool geology unit study for children of multiple ages.
DISCOVER CRYSTAL TREASURE - Break open these rocks to reveal amazing crystals inside! Geology doesn’t get more exciting than breaking open rocks and finding crystal treasures. Ag great STEM activity that also makes an excellent gift for girls and boys!
See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.
Simon Basher is back with another zany primer to science! Following his 3 successful titles on the basics of chemistry, physics, and biology, BASHER SCIENCE: ROCKS AND MINERALS is an in-depth look at the ground beneath our feet. Like his other titles, Basher presents these topics through charming and adorable illustrations and pairs them with basic information told from a first person perspective. He develops a community of characters based on the things that form the foundations of our planet: rocks, gems, crystals, fossils and more. And what's more, he makes it understandable, interesting, and cute. It's not what you expect out of a science primer.
Turn rough rocks into polished gems: Discover and learn the fun process of rock tumbling with the Advanced Rock Tumbler. Pour in the rough stones and grit and let the machine do its job!
Everybody needs a rock -- at least that's the way this particular rock hound feels about it in presenting her own highly individualistic rules for finding just the right rock for you.
Also, look at these other fun facts about crystals for kids.
Here are a few examples of different crystals:
Salt Crystals: Have you ever noticed how salt looks like tiny cubes?
That’s because salt crystals form in a cube shape.
Quartz: This crystal is super common and can be clear or come in different colors like purple (amethyst) or pink (rose quartz).
Diamond: Known for being one of the hardest materials, diamonds are clear and can shine with lots of colors.
Fun Facts About Crystals
Everyday Crystals: Crystals aren’t just found in rocks.
You’ll find them in everyday items like salt, sugar, and even in some of your favorite foods.
Variety of Shapes: As mentioned, crystals can have all kinds of shapes.
Each shape depends on the arrangement of the molecules inside the crystal.
Natural Wonders: Some crystals form stunningly beautiful natural structures.
Geodes are rocks filled with crystals that look like they have a glittering treasure inside.
More Crystal Activities for Kids
- Make Crystal Sea Shells
- Free Homeschool Geology Unit Study And Easy DIY Eggshell Geode
- Grab this free earth science book.
- Edible Rock Cycle Fudge and Hands-on Rock Activities
Finally, look at how to do this fun crystal science activity.
How to Make Crystals with Kids
Materials
- Pipe cleaners
- Popsicle sticks
- Borax
- Hot Water
- Glass jars
Combine two pipe cleaners to make a small ball.
Attach the third pipe cleaner but leave half of the pipe cleaner straight.
Add ½ cup borax to a glass jar.
Pour very hot water on top and stir until borax is mostly combined.
Attach the pipe cleaner ball to a popsicle stick and drop into your glass jar.
Make sure it is not touching the bottom of the jar.
Leave in your jars overnight.
Once your crystals are formed, take out of jar and pat dry with paper towel.
Cut off extra pipe cleaner and enjoy your crystals.
One of my jars did not ever work, and it was the first jar I poured boiling water into.
Try not to get your water too hot but not too cold either. I know but science can be exacting that way.
Note: You’ll want to use boiling water, some lemon juice, and vinegar to clean out the remaining borax in your glass jars when you are finished.
