Thanks to bismuth's low melting point of 271°C, you can grow your own crystals by melting and then cooling bismuth in a stove pot. A pound of pure bismuth runs $25 (shipping included) -- much cheaper than buying large crystals -- and you can even use molds to create geodes or other shapes. Check out the video, or if you prefer written instructors, see this tutorial. Read more
Grow your own bismuth crystals
Cortney Random, Science & Technology + bismuth, crystals
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Best trick for learning the seven crystal systems
Cortney Education, Science & Technology + crystals, earth science, geology, minerals
You can find various websites discussing the crystal systems (see my short list below), but in all honesty, the best way to mastering these systems is to deal with them in 3D. Read more →