How to Grow a Crystal Tree

Growing a crystal tree is a great project for science fairs, family time and decorating for the winter holiday. This easy project creates crystals when ammonia, salt, laundry bluing and water combine to form Everitt's salt. This salt is exposed when the water evaporates from the container. But make sure that everyone involved in the project has a pair of safety goggles to wear.

2 sheets of heavy white or green blotter paper
Pencil or marker
Scissors
Measuring spoons
Shallow pan or dish
Clean, empty glass jar with lid
1 bottle of non-sudsy ammonia
Non-iodized sodium chloride such as table, Kosher or pickling salt
Laundry bluing
Spoon
Food coloring

Instructions

- 1
  Draw out the pattern of the tree on one sheet of blotter paper and draw a slit in the base of the tree. Draw out another pattern for a tree that will slide into the slit and make a three-dimensional tree structure. Cut both patterns out and slide both pieces together.
- 2
  Mix 1 tbsp. ammonia, 6 tbsp. salt, 6 tbsp. laundry bluing and 2 tbsp. of water in a clean jar.
- 3
  Stir the mixture in the jar until the salt is completely dissolved. Place lid on jar to prevent evaporation.
- 4
  Place 2 tbsp. of the mixture in the shallow pan or dish that was chosen.
- 5
  Place the cut-out tree into the shallow pan. Apply food coloring along the edges of the tree.
- 6
  Place in a warm, dry room for 72 hours without moving the pan.

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