Crystals & Minerals Science Kit - Discover Science

Grow Crystals, Examine Real Minerals, and Explore the Science of Rocks — Developed with Melbourne Museum

Crystals aren’t just beautiful — they’re one of nature’s most precise engineering feats, built atom by atom into perfect geometric structures. The Discover Science Crystals & Minerals Science Kit gives kids a hands-on introduction to mineralogy: grow your own crystal cluster from Mono Ammonium Phosphate, examine real samples of pyrite and amethyst, build molecular models of graphite and diamond, and learn how to catalogue a rock and mineral collection like a real geologist. Developed in association with the scientists at Melbourne Museum, this kit connects the experiments to real science and real specimens.

What’s Included

• ✅ Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) — the crystal-growing compound for your unique crystal cluster experiment
• ✅ Real pyrite sample — the mineral known as “fool’s gold”, with its distinctive metallic cubic crystals
• ✅ Real amethyst sample — a genuine purple quartz crystal to examine and add to your collection
• ✅ Molecular model components — for constructing 3D models of graphite and diamond crystal structures
• ✅ Activity guide and experiment instructions — developed with Melbourne Museum scientists, covering crystal growth, mineral properties, and collection cataloguing

Note: salt (for additional crystal experiments), toothpicks and jelly lollies (for molecular models) are not included.

What Kids Will Do and Learn

• ✅ Grow a crystal cluster — use the included MAP compound to grow your own unique crystal formation and observe how temperature, concentration, and time affect the result
• ✅ Build molecular models of graphite and diamond — discover how the same element (carbon) forms two completely different materials depending on how its atoms are arranged
• ✅ Examine real mineral specimens — handle and study genuine pyrite and amethyst samples, learning what makes each mineral unique
• ✅ Start a rock and mineral collection — learn how geologists organise and catalogue specimens, using the included samples as the foundation of your own collection
• ✅ Explore the science of everyday minerals — discover why minerals like graphite and diamond are essential in modern technology and industry

Good to Know Before You Buy

• Recommended age: 10+
• Brand: Discover Science
• Developed in association with: Melbourne Museum scientists
• Real specimens included: Pyrite and amethyst
• Additional items needed: Salt (for crystal experiments), toothpicks and jelly lollies (for molecular models) — not included
• Ideal for: School geology projects, budding geologists, science weeks, and gifting

Frequently Asked Questions

What crystals can you grow with this kit?

The kit includes Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) for growing a crystal cluster. You can also use common table salt (not included) for additional crystal-growing experiments. The guide explains how factors like temperature and concentration affect the shape and size of the crystals you grow.

Are the pyrite and amethyst samples real?

Yes — the kit includes genuine mineral specimens: a piece of pyrite (iron sulfide, also known as fool’s gold) and a piece of amethyst (purple quartz). These are real minerals, not plastic replicas, and can be kept as the start of a personal collection.

What is the graphite and diamond model activity?

This activity explores how carbon atoms arrange themselves differently to form graphite (soft, used in pencils) and diamond (the hardest natural material). Kids build 3D molecular models using toothpicks and jelly lollies (not included) to visualise the difference in atomic structure — a classic chemistry concept made tangible.

What age is it suitable for?

Recommended for ages 10 and up. The activities involve reading about mineral properties, following experimental procedures, and building molecular models — all well-suited to upper primary and early secondary students with an interest in science.

Is it a good gift?

Absolutely — it’s a brilliant gift for budding geologists, science enthusiasts, and kids who love collecting things. The real mineral specimens (pyrite and amethyst) make it feel genuinely special, and the Melbourne Museum collaboration gives it real educational credibility. A great choice for birthdays or Christmas for ages 10 and up.