| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | No crystals after 24 hrs | Solution not saturated enough | Reheat the solution and add more solute (salt/sugar/borax). | | Crystals only on the bottom | String or shape touched the bottom | Re-suspend so it hangs freely. | | Crystals are clumpy and tiny | Temperature changed too quickly or solution was disturbed | Move jar to a more stable, room-temperature spot. | | White powder instead of crystals | Evaporation happened too fast | Cover the jar loosely with a paper towel or coffee filter. |
You likely have the ingredients for a DIY crystal lab in your cabinets right now. Different substances produce varied shapes and growth rates.
💡 Minerals in tap water can interfere with the crystal lattice, leading to cloudy or stunted growth.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | No crystals after 24 hrs | Solution not saturated enough | Reheat the solution and add more solute (salt/sugar/borax). | | Crystals only on the bottom | String or shape touched the bottom | Re-suspend so it hangs freely. | | Crystals are clumpy and tiny | Temperature changed too quickly or solution was disturbed | Move jar to a more stable, room-temperature spot. | | White powder instead of crystals | Evaporation happened too fast | Cover the jar loosely with a paper towel or coffee filter. |
You likely have the ingredients for a DIY crystal lab in your cabinets right now. Different substances produce varied shapes and growth rates.
💡 Minerals in tap water can interfere with the crystal lattice, leading to cloudy or stunted growth.
