Customer Reviews

Citrine and Aquamaring Crystal Growing Kit From The Smithsonian Institute

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After having this for a few years I can say that my son enjoyed watching plain salt crystals grow on wool yarn a lot more than he did watching the crystals form from this kit. The kit solution takes a while to dry/form so there are weeks of no change. When crystals do form they are flat, unlike the picture on the box.

I received the Smithsonian Crystal Growing Kit (#3260-08) as a gift for my son and we used it today. We followed the directions exactly, and when we were on step 6 of Experiment #1 "Golden Citrine" crystals on page 5, the boiling water melted the size "C" plastic growing cup into a small shriveled mound of melted plastic, spilling the boiling hot chemical solution EVERYWHERE. Some plastics can handle hot liquids, but the cheap plastic in this kit obviously cannot. If they knew that the plastic was prone to melting, why would they ever recommend that parents pour boiling water into this kind of container with their young children nearby?

If you do end up getting this, I strongly recommend that you pour the boiling water in a different container (not provided by the company), let it cool to lukewarm temperature while dissolving the chemicals, and then pour it directly into the size "D" plastic cup afterwards.

I have written to the Smithsonian quality control department and am awaiting a response. I will update if and when I hear from them. I am really surprised that this kit has not been recalled.

UPDATE: I got a prompt response from quality control and they say that they have since updated the plastic packaging. I must have received an old version. They were very apologetic concerning this flaw. I am satisfied that they are taking safety precautions seriously.

The box and directions for this kit show beautiful crystals that look almost like flowers growing. Supposedly the crystals grow within "hours". My daughter and I did the 3 experiments and followed the directions very carefully. It's been several days and nothing has happened. I have written to the company, I hope to hear a reply.
Don't waste your money. The pictures are misleading, directions are unclear, and description is exaggerated.