Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Researchers reported growing silica-carbonate crystals into microscopic sculptures, including vase-like forms, by controlling mineral growth rather than carving finished structures. The 2017 work also demonstrated tiny optical components that guided or split light; electronics and other device uses were proposed possibilities, not commercial products.
What “microvases” are
The name refers to microscopic, vase-shaped silica-carbonate structures—not ordinary containers or decorative vases. In a 2017 report, Chemistry World described a theoretical framework developed by US scientists for growing crystals into intricate microsculptures. Alongside vase-like shapes, the examples included helices and a hedgehog-like structure.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How the researchers shaped the crystals
The reported growth system used carbon dioxide, barium chloride (BaCl₂), sodium metasilicate (Na₂SiO₃), and barium carbonate seed crystals. Researchers influenced the resulting shapes by adjusting conditions including pH and temperature, as well as the number of seed crystals. The framework is the important idea: controlled growth can produce different forms, rather than a single fixed crystal shape.
This is a description of laboratory research, not a home-growing recipe. The report does not supply a complete protocol or the quantitative details needed to reproduce the structures, and it should not be treated as instructions for handling the chemicals.
#1 Best Overall
- FAST-GROWING CRYSTALS IN 6 COLORS - Grow blue, red, purple, green, yellow, and glow in the dark crystals! Crystal chemistry has never been so fast (grows in 3 - 4 days), fun, and colorful, making this the perfect educational activity or gift!
- GROWING IS EASY – Easy-to-follow instructions and the 2 included silicone growing chambers make growing your crystals easier than ever!
- NIGHT LIGHT DISPLAY – Show off 5 of your favorite home-grown crystals in the USB-powered (cable included) light-up display! This fun kids STEM activity can help inspire a lifelong love of science and learning.
- INCLUDES REAL CRYSTAL SPECIMENS – Start or expand your rock collection with 4 real gemstone specimens: rose quartz, fluorite, blue calcite, and quartz geode. Learn about the gemstones in the kit with the included full-color Learning Guide.
- AMAZON EXCLUSIVE - Blue Marble has developed this product exclusively for Amazon.
What the structures did with light
Hedgehog-like beam splitter
For one optical demonstration, barium carbonate seed crystals were doped with rhodamine B. The report describes a separate hedgehog-like structure grown from strontium chloride (SrCl₂) and sodium metasilicate on a seed crystal. When illuminated by a fluorescence microscope, it split the light and directed it toward the ends of its spikes.
Helices and trumpet-like waveguides
The report says helical and trumpet-like structures acted as waveguides, guiding light in a way comparable to optical fibres. These demonstrations show optical behavior in laboratory-grown structures; they do not establish that the structures are ready for use in deployed devices.
Rank #2
- GROW VIBRANT COLORED CRYSTALS - Grow crystals in 3 amazing colors: blue, purple, and green. With this engaging and educational science experiment for kids, chemistry has never been so fun and colorful!
- NIGHT LIGHT DISPLAY - Show off your crystals on the patent-pending light-up display. With 7 single color modes, rainbow color mode, and 3 brightness levels to choose from, your crystal treasures will shine!
- COMPLETE SCIENCE KIT – Contains all you need! Growing powder, clear seed rocks, growing chamber, light-up display, and easy-to-follow instructions. Our uniquely flexible growing chamber allows you to easily remove your crystals for display without damage!
- START A ROCK COLLECTION – This kit comes with 3 real gemstone specimens, including a geode, green fluorite, and blue calcite, along with a detailed learning guide explaining how crystals grow and more! Makes an excellent STEM gift for boys and girls.
- AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS - Blue Marble, winner of the Toy Association's prestigious Toy of the Year Award, proudly develops products that foster education, imagination, and creativity, with a U.S. support team to ensure a stellar experience!
What applications are—and are not—established
The reported light-guiding and light-splitting behavior is distinct from the broader potential applications discussed in the article, such as components for optical or electronic devices. Those are prospective uses, not evidence that a working commercial device exists.
Chemistry World characterized the approach as cheap and scalable, but its report gives no comparative cost, production scale, yield, or quantitative performance figures to verify that description. It also contrasts the method with lithography, 3D printing, and colloidal self-assembly: according to the report, lithography is difficult to scale up, 3D printing cannot accurately make micrometre-sized structures, and self-assembly usually produces symmetric shapes. These are the report’s comparisons, not universal claims about every current technique.
Rank #3
- GROW CRYSTAL COVERED TREES - Watch as crystals grow from the branches of the included evergreen and cherry trees like magic; you’ll see the first crystals in minutes and trees will be fully covered in as little as 6 hours.
- YOU CHOOSE THE COLORS - This is more than just a science kit! Color each tree any way you’d like with the 5 watercolor pens in the kit and grow crystals in the colors you’ve chosen. It's a craft project and crystal kit all in one!
- REAL SPECIMEN INSIDE - After the crystals are grown, you'll enjoy examining the genuine geode specimen in the kit! A full-color learning guide is included and is packed with fascinating facts about crystals. This STEM craft kit is unforgettable!
- COMPLETE ACTIVITY SET - Because the crystals absorb the ink from the markers and grow in the colors drawn, this kit combines the science of a crystal growing lab with the creativity of an art project, making this a great activity for girls and boys.
Can you grow one at home?
The source describes research-scale structures made with specialized chemicals and controlled conditions, not a household activity or consumer kit. It does not provide a complete procedure suitable for replication. The reported work is best understood as a materials-science demonstration, rather than a practical crystal-growing project.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the report leaves unspecified
The Chemistry World account cites C. N. Kaplan and colleagues’ 2017 paper in Science (DOI: 10.1126/science.aah6350). Its report does not state the structures’ exact dimensions, fabrication yields, complete growth protocol, or quantitative optical performance. Without those values, the article supports the existence of the described forms and demonstrations, but not a numerical comparison of their efficiency or scalability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ASTOUNDING CRYSTAL MAKING KIT FOR KIDS! Grow an awesome crystal in just a few days that's up to 3x larger than those in our other crystal growing labs. You'll also get a fascinating fluorite specimen! This is seriously fun geology for kids!
- WHAT'S BETTER THAN GROWING YOUR OWN CRYSTAL? Growing a crystal that glows in the dark! Kids will be amazed seeing all the details of their jumbo, glowing crystal with the lights off! This crystal growing kit is an unforgettable STEM toy!
- CRYSTAL SCIENCE FOR KIDS IS EASY! Kids love crystal growing thanks to our easy-to-follow instructions. They will mix, pour, and watch as this giant and amazing crystal takes shape, then learn all about crystal science in our detailed learning guide!
- A FANTASTIC GIFT FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. This jumbo crystal growing lab is an awesome gift! It's so much fun to grow your own crystals, and the resulting crystal specimen is something kids will absolutely treasure!
- AMAZON EXCLUSIVE - Blue Marble has developed this product exclusively for Amazon.
Rank #4
- 5 CRYSTAL-GROWING ACTIVITIES – This ultimate crystal kit lets kids safely grow five unique types of crystals: a mini crystal, a dinosaur-shaped crystal, a glow-in-the-dark crystal, 2 crystal trees, and awesome underwater crystals!
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK CRYSTAL – Grow a luminous crystal that shines in the dark, making science fun even after the lights go out.
- UNDERWATER CRYSTALS – Kids will love watching 4 vibrant crystals grow right before their eyes in a safe, immersive underwater environment!
- CRYSTAL TREES & DINOSAUR – Grow a sparkling crystal-covered dinosaur figure and 2 colorful crystal trees for an eye-catching display.
- ALL-INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL SCIENCE KIT – Includes crystal solutions, crystal-growing stones, display container, dinosaur mold, tree forms, safety gear, kid-friendly instructions & an educational Learning Guide filled with cool facts about crystals!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
