Learn about rocks and the minerals that form them. Dig deeper and discover the fascinating crystal structures of these minerals. Much more than just a crystal-growing kit, this experiment kit teaches you the chemistry of crystals and the geological science behind rock formation with more than 18 hands-on projects and investigations. Grow 3 chemically different types of crystals that exhibit not only different colors, but also different shapes. Build 3-D geometric models of common crystal shapes, including octahedrons, tetrahedrons and rhomboids. Mold your own crystal geode - a hollow rock with crystals growing inside! Learn how to test and identify minerals with your very own collection of real specimens (included). Conduct tests to determine a mineral’s chemical and physical properties, such as color, luster, streak color, hardness, density, magnetism and carbon, sulfur, or iron content. Investigate the geologic rock cycle and learn how the three main categories of rock - igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic - are formed, altered, destroyed and formed again. A full-color, 32-page experiment manual is included. The kit includes the following genuine specimens: granite, limestone, basalt, marble, pumice, calcite, pyrite, quartz, hematite, bornite, fluorite, magnetite and soapstone. Grow 3 types of crystals: alum (potassium aluminum sulfate), copper(II) sulfate and potassium hexacyanoferrate(III). Ages 10 and up.