Learning to Grow Alum Crystals
Presenter(s)
Caleb Beskow, Michael Dietz, and Juan Carlos Feregrino Ponce
Abstract
Large crystals can be made using common household ingredients. Alum is commonly used in canning pickles, but can also grow large crystals when properly prepared and fed material consistently over time. Three different strategies to grow seed crystals were attempted with some large and small crystals developed. After tying the seed crystal to a string, it was hung in a solution and periodically weighed. The material that was gained by the crystal from the previous weight gathered was added to the solution as feedstock to continue the crystal growth. Periodically the jar was heated to dissolve crystals formed at the bottom of the jar.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Composite Materials Engineering
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Eric Kerr-Anderson
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 9:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
23
Learning to Grow Alum Crystals
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Large crystals can be made using common household ingredients. Alum is commonly used in canning pickles, but can also grow large crystals when properly prepared and fed material consistently over time. Three different strategies to grow seed crystals were attempted with some large and small crystals developed. After tying the seed crystal to a string, it was hung in a solution and periodically weighed. The material that was gained by the crystal from the previous weight gathered was added to the solution as feedstock to continue the crystal growth. Periodically the jar was heated to dissolve crystals formed at the bottom of the jar.
Comments
Beskow, Caleb J; Dietz, Michael J; Feregrino Ponce, Juan Carlos