Who’d have thought in high school that chemistry can be fun? Surely not me, trying to remember all those neverending names… But thinking back I realize the main problem was that we never did anything; learning things by heart is more difficult if you don’t see them applied.

Monoammonium phosphate? Potassium aluminum sulfate? They might sound like something out of a pop-quiz, but they’re not boring at all: they’re the most important part of the Crystal Growing Kit and they’re also known as “Citrine” and “Ruby” growing chemicals.

The kit also includes 3 crystal growing trays, 2 spatulas, instructions and an illustrated information booklet, and you can grow 4 different types of crystal formations: three that grow in clusters and a solitary one. It’s for ages 12 and up, but I am fascinated even at twice that age…

How much under $29.99?
Some: $14.99 on ThinkGeek.com.