Pikes Peak Pebble Pups and Earth Science Scholars: Crystal Growing Activity

The Pikes Peak Pebble Pups and Earth Science Scholars: We explore the wonders of rock, mineral,and fossil collecting in the Pikes Peak region. Our program participates with the Future Rockhounds of America under the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies. Our purpose is to train Pebble Pups and Junior Members (teens) to become skilled rockhounds. The Pebble Pups and Junior Members of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society and the Lake George Gem and Mineral Club use this site.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Crystal Growing Activity

Jacob Murphy
Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society Pebble Pups

Some minerals grow into crystals in water solutions. This process can be observed using readily available materials, such as sugar, salt, alum, and Epsom salts dissolved into a “saturated solution” in boiling hot water. A saturated solution contains the maximum amount of salt that will dissolve in a given amount of hot water. Here are the results of my work.

Specimen 1

Specimen 2

Specimen 3

Specimen 4

Welcome! This is the gateway to adventure and discovery

Through this blog pebble pups and junior members of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society can access their lessons, work on assignments and projects, and receive details about field trips in the Pikes Peak Region. This Internet program is also suitable for young people who are interested in Earth science but do not live near a rock club or gem and mineral society or for young people anywhere who want a deeper dive into these topics. The only requirement is that all participants must be members of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society and must fill out the CSMS membership form (under important websites) and send their registration and membership fee in. Steven Veatch is the senior instructor and will need an email from you with your name, address, phone number, and permission from your parents to participate in this program.