How to Make Seed Crystals

Select the type of crystal you want to grow. There are a variety of seed crystals you can make using various recipes. Some chemicals to crystallize include ammonium phosphate, alum, borax, charcoal, copper sulfate, Epsom, purple chromium alum, sugar and table salt crystals. A host of recipes can be found at the About.com: Chemistry website.

Pour 1/4 cup of distilled water into your microwave-safe glass measuring cup. Heat the water until it reaches its boiling point.

Pour your crystallizing chemical into the water, and stir the mixture as your element dissolves. Continue adding your chosen chemical until it stops dissolving and you begin to find sediment on the bottom of the measuring cup.

Slowly pour the chemical and water solution through a coffee filter, and allow your saucer to fill with the solution. You only want the diluted solution in the saucer. You do not want solids in your saucer.

Set your saucer aside and allow the liquid to evaporate. As the liquid evaporates your crystals will begin to form. Once the liquid evaporates completely, select the best crystals as your seed crystals.