The Best Crystal Growing Kits

The Best Crystal Growing Kits

For budding scientists, growing their own crystals is a fun, educational way to learn about rocks and minerals and basic scientific principles. And best of all, they don't need a science lab to be able to grow crystals — they just need the right crystal-growing kit. Take your pick from one of the kits on this list, and the young scientist in your life will be on their way to making gorgeous, gleaming crystals they can show off for years to come.

National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Lab

Superior in Every Way

This kit produces six super-cool crystals, and the growing process is easy and fun.
Best Overall

Find on Amazon

The National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Lab contains everything your little scientist needs to grow glittering, bold-colored crystals that look great as bedroom décor. In fact, this kit comes with a glow-in-the-dark light-up display, so they can properly show off their striking specimens. With clear, easy-to-follow instructions, the growing process is fun and straightforward, resulting in six to eight different crystals that grow in just three to four days.

Pros:

  • Comes with everything you need to get started, including two silicone growing chambers, a full-color learning guide, and more
  • Includes samples of Rose Quartz, Blue Calcite, Fluorite, and Quartz Geode to kickstart any rock collection
  • Superior crystal yield
  • Available in two different sizes

Cons:

  • A little pricey, but National Geographic’s quality is exceptional

Dan&Darci Crystal Growing Kit

Awesome for Newbies

If you want a growing kit that contains absolutely everything you need to get started, this is the right product for you.
Runner Up

Find on Amazon

Ideal for beginners, the Dan&Darci Crystal Growing Kit comes with all the tools your little scientist needs and then some. This comprehensive kit includes red, blue, and white crystal powders, three crystal starters, three growing cups, a stirrer, and tweezers. And the instruction guide is exceptionally clear and educational, so they’ll be able to jump right in and begin growing their crystals in no time. Once they’ve got their final product, kids can show off their crystalline creations on the included USB-powered display.

Pros:

  • A perfect kit for beginners since it comes with all the essential tools
  • Comes with a LED light-up display
  • STEM-approved educational product
  • 12-page instruction guide is packed with fun facts and clear guidelines

Cons:

  • Only creates three crystals

4M Crystal Growing Kit

Inexpensive Excellence

This affordable kit can produce seven unique crystals without breaking the bank.
Best On A Budget

Find on Amazon

Young science enthusiasts will love using the 4M Crystal Growing Kit, and parents will love that it’s available at an accessible price point. This kit is equipped with everything they need to get started, from crystal compounds to stirring tools, so you don’t have to go looking for additional supplies. All your little one has to do is follow the directions to conduct seven different crystal growing experiments. And each crystal even has its own glass display case, so they can show off their results when they’re done.

Pros:

  • Excellent value, considering that you get all the materials needed to perform seven different crystal-growth experiments
  • Comes with a special display case for all the full-grown crystals
  • Kids will get a wide variety of results, with crystals of all shapes and sizes

Cons:

  • Not suitable for kids under 10 years old

Youniverse Crystal Growing Unicorn

Not Your Average Crystal

Why not grow a crystal in the shape of a unicorn? We can't think of a good reason.
Most Unique Design

Find on Amazon

Encourage your child’s creativity with the Youniverse Crystal Growing Unicorn, which offers something slightly different from your average crystal-growing kit. This kit comes with a molded unicorn figurine that kids can grow crystal formations directly onto, and the results are quick and very cool to witness. Along with the unicorn and growing materials, you also get colored dye, glitter, and paint, so that your scientist-in-training can decorate it as they see fit. For an innovative science and art project all in one, this unicorn is a fantastic choice.

Pros:

  • The result is a unicorn-shaped crystal that kids can display in their bedroom
  • The crystal-encrusted unicorn can be decorated with included dye, glitter, and paint
  • Crystals start forming overnight

Cons:

  • Best for kids who want something different than a traditional crystal-growing kit

Discovery Crystal Growing Aquarium

A Statement Piece

This kit provides everything you need to create a one-of-a-kind display.
Coolest Display

Find on Amazon

The Discovery Crystal Growing Aquarium offers a fascinating, hands-on way to explore science. What sets this kit apart is its mini-aquarium design that provides a built-in display case for kids’ creations. This kit also comes with some fun extras, like a background decal and sticker sheet, so young scientists can further express their creativity. The crystals themselves can’t be overlooked, with their vibrant blue, green, pink, and yellow colorations and a more elongated shape courtesy of their unique growing environment.

Pros:

  • Grow multiple vibrantly colored crystals that are up to 4 inches tall
  • Includes an educational crystal fun-fact poster
  • Comes with a few extra accessories than most

Cons:

  • The aquarium needs to be on a smooth, level surface for best results

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what type of crystal-growing kit to get for my child?

If you have a younger child who’s just starting on their crystal-growing journey, you may want to pick a kit that includes a starter crystal to help kickstart the process. Otherwise, it typically takes anywhere from one to two weeks for full-size crystals to form, which is fine for older kids but maybe not for younger kiddos with short attention spans. Look for a kit that also includes a comprehensive growing guide to make the process easier. Kits will have recommended age ranges, so it’s easy to find an appropriate option for most kids.

Are crystal-growing kits safe?

Yes, provided that you use them properly. Very young children shouldn’t use these kits, as the ingredients are toxic and could be harmful if swallowed. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s product specifications to choose an age-appropriate kit for your child.