| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution | |---------|--------------|----------| | No crystals form | Solution not supersaturated | Evaporate more water or add more solute | | Many small crystals on string | Too rapid cooling or dust | Cool slower; filter solution; clean jar | | Crystal is cloudy | Rapid growth or impurities | Grow slower; use distilled water | | Crystal stops growing | Solute depleted | Add fresh saturated solution (same temperature) |
| Day | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Observations | |-----|-------------|------------|---------------| | 1 | 2 | 2 | Seed visible; solution clear | | 3 | 5 | 4 | Octahedral faces beginning | | 5 | 9 | 7 | Sharp edges; no new crystals | | 7 | 14 | 11 | Transparent, well-faceted | how to make your own crystals