Growing crystals at home is an extremely interesting and fun activity of kids and adults alike. While we’re not talking about crystals that you can later on sell for a fortune, they’re still a great activity for those hot summer days when you’re just looking for something new to do.
I am here to tell you today how to easily grow your own crystals at home, which can be later on used for various DIY projects (like building your own fairy house) or even – depending on the crystals you grow – use them as deodorant.
Whether you grow your crystals for decorations, jewelry, personal care or just plan fun, it’s all really simple. Plus, you get bonus points as it is almost like magic for the kids. So let’s get this started!
Growing your own crystals at home
We’ll start with what might be the strangest option around: growing crystals to use as deodorant, but the truth is that you can adapt this method and turn them into decorations and whatnot.
You may have seen “safe” forms of deodorant in healthy living shops or mentioned by bloggers and influencers. Often, they come in the form of large crystals of Potassium Aluminium Sulphate, or Alum.
They have the advantage of being free of Aluminium Chlorohydrate, which has been implicated in ill health and which is an active component in many antiperspirants out there.
Natural deodorant crystals are suitable for the most sensitive skin, are hypoallergenic and last a long time. Furthermore, they won’t stain your clothes or discolor your skin – and they really work when it comes to keeping the bad odor away.
The best part? If you prefer the decorative side of crystal making, just add some food coloring to the mix and go wild, letting your creativity roam free!
Here is what you need to grow your own crystals at home quickly and easily:
– An ounce of Alum – check prices online (affiliate link)
– A glass jar
– A clean stick
– Warm water
– Thread
– Small, sharp stones, cleaned well
Here is how to grow your own Alum crystals at home:
1. Pour enough warm water into the jar to cover the stones — but don’t put the stones in yet.
2. Add the Alum and stir well until it stops dissolving. A small residue will be left – this is normal.
3. Add food coloring if desired (if you plan to use it for crafting or have your kid enjoy different colors). Do NOT add if you want to use it as deodorant!
4. Tie a small stone to the thread and the other end to the stick. Place the stick across the top of the jar so that the stone dangles in the liquid.
5. Put the jar in a warm place to aid evaporation.
Next, the waiting game begins. You will have to be a bit patient and give time for the crystals to grow on your stone(s).
The first crystals will appear in a few days. You can add more Alum to make them bigger. The biggest crystals can be rubbed under arms as a safe home-made deodorant and the entire process of growing crystals is fascinating for the little ones – or adults!
Alternatively, if you’re not looking to dump your current deodorant just yet, you can always purchase a crystal growing kit (affiliate link) which will result in various nicely colored crystals of all shapes that kids will love. My son absolutely loved his results and regularly asks for more – so you have our guarantee that it’s going to be a hit with the little ones!