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.
Some crystals form when water evaporates, and others form deep in the Earth from hot, melted rock or minerals under pressure.
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!