What makes alum crystals

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Fire and Smoke. Chemical Reactions. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph. Chemistry Expert. Helmenstine holds a Ph. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated September 02, Grow a Big Alum Crystal Alum crystals are colorless, non-toxic crystals that are easy to grow.

Large crystals somewhat resemble diamonds, although they are much softer than the gemstones. Expect growing a large crystal to take days or a couple of weeks. Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph. Some crystals, like alum, will form from supersaturated solutions , like the one you used in this experiment. A supersaturated solution is one that is forced to hold more atoms in water or another solute than it normally would.

You can make these solutions using heat or pressure. What else could you try? Could you do the same experiment with salt, or sugar crystals? How do you think the color gets incorporated into the crystal? Do you think the food coloring disrupts the shape? Will larger crystals grow if you let your object sit in the solution longer?

You can read more about crystals and gems here. Tags: alum , crystals , Easter , geodes , kids , science In: Chemistry Experiments , Physics Experiments 5 comments ». Name required. Mail will not be published required. If you want a particular crystal shape, add a bit of monofilament nylon fishing line and a pencil or butter knife, so you can hang your crystal in the liquid.

You can use sewing threat instead of nylon, but it acts as wick, causing crystal growth along its length. Crystals start to appear within a couple of hours. If you like, you can let them grow until you are satisfied with their size. Then, pour off the liquid and enjoy the crystals.