Let’s Grow Crystals!

Let’s Setup Crystals to Grow at the Library!

On Wednesday, February 19^th at 11am the Lewiston Public Library Children’s Department will be offering the program Let’s Grow Crystals!

Children will be provided with materials to grow tetragonal crystals by creating a solution with water and a package of monoammonium phosphate and powdered pigments. A seed crystal is then added to start the crystallization process.

Because the crystals take many days to grow, the crystal solutions will be kept in the display case so patrons can see their growth. After 2 weeks or so the finished crystals will be removed from their solution. The crystals will be kept in the display case on a lighted stand. Participants may also take the crystals home at that time.

During the program examples of some common crystals will be available for participants to examine. Books about crystals will be available for viewing, as well as information on why crystals form and other materials that can be used to grow different kinds of crystals in the future.

This activity is recommended for kids ages 8 and older.

This program will take place in the Children’s Department on the third floor of the library.

The activity is free and there is no registration required but supplies are limited.

The Lewiston Public Library is located downtown at 200 Lisbon Street at the corner of Pine Street.

More information is available by contacting the Lewiston Public Library at 513-3133 or LPLKids@lewistonmaine.gov.