Crystals

What Are Crystals?

Crystals are shiny rocks.
They have tiny parts that line up in a neat pattern.
The pattern makes them sparkle.

How Crystals Form

Water can turn into ice crystals when it gets cold.
Sand can become a crystal when it is pressed deep in the Earth.
Heat and pressure help the tiny parts line up.

Fun Crystal Facts

• Snowflakes are ice crystals.
• Some crystals are clear, others are blue, pink, or green.
• You can grow a crystal at home with sugar and water.

Crystals are beautiful and easy to find. Look around—you might see them in a glass of water, in a rock, or falling from the sky as snow!