| Material | Crystal Shape | Color | Difficulty | Where to Find | |----------|--------------|-------|------------|----------------| | Table salt (NaCl) | Cubes | White | Easy | Kitchen | | Sugar | Monoclinic | White/clear | Easy | Kitchen | | Alum (aluminum potassium sulfate) | Octahedra | Clear | Easy | Spice aisle or online | | Borax | Prisms | White | Easy | Laundry aisle | | Epsom salt | Needles | White | Very easy | Pharmacy | | Copper sulfate | Prisms | Bright blue | Medium | Online or hardware store |
DIY crystal growing is a reminder that science isn't just found in textbooks—it’s something you can hold in the palm of your hand.
Copper sulfate is toxic if swallowed. Keep it away from children and pets, and wash hands after handling.