High School Chemistry Project: Growing a Single Crystal
Teacher: Yarima Leyva
Objective: In this project, you will grow a single crystal at home using either alum Al 2(SO₄ )3 or
copper sulfate CuSO4, applying crystallization technique to separate homogeneous mixtures. This
crystal will later be used in Chapter 7 to observe the lattice structures of ionic compounds.
Materials Needed:
 Alum (available at grocery stores or pharmacies) OR Copper sulfate (CuSO₄ ) (available at
hardware stores as root killer or chemical supply stores)
Links to buy: Alum:https://www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Alum-3-5oz/186704985?classType=REGULAR&athbdg=L1200&from=/search
CuSO4 (cooper sulfate): https://www.homedepot.com/p/ZEP-32-oz-Root-KillZROOT24/100074551?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGLD26P-026_007_PLUMB_REPAIR-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEWPMax_JControl24&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D26P-026_007_PLUMB_REPAIR-NA-NANA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-PMax_JControl24-71700000097492033-&gad_source=4&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu63BhC9ARIsAMMTLXSgpzujYA33CW7LSl19RiRnbBMBY6_6Bc5XVYDQYQYE3bc89i2oVIcaAo6cE
ALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#overlay

Hot distill water

A clear glass or jar

String

A pencil or stick

Paper towel or coffee filter (to cover the jar)

Heat-resistant gloves (for safety)

Measuring cups/spoons

Optional: food coloring (if using alum)

A ruler (to measure crystal growth)

Camera or phone to take pictures

Nail polish
Safety Precautions:



Alum: Generally safe but avoid ingestion and contact with eyes. Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation.
Copper Sulfate: This is a toxic substance and should be handled carefully. Do not ingest or inhale the
powder. Always wear gloves and avoid contact with eyes and skin. Wash hands thoroughly after
handling CuSO₄.
General Safety: Always work in a well-ventilated area. If using hot water, ensure you handle it with
care, preferably using heat-resistant gloves.
Instructions in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKLga-8IMiY&t=2s
1. Create a saturated solution by dissolving the chosen chemical in hot water until no more will
dissolve.
2. Allow the solution to cool to room temperature.
3. Pour the solution into a clean container, leaving any undissolved material behind.
4. Suspend a seed crystal or string in the solution. This will serve as the starting point for crystal
growth.
5. Place the container in a quiet, undisturbed location.
6. Wait patiently for several days or weeks, allowing the crystals to grow.
7. Once the crystals have reached the desired size, remove them from the solution and allow them to
dry.
8. Apply nail polish
Extra credit (100 points): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DUDhkw3AF4