The beautiful symmetry of crystals has charmed and delighted people for centuries. Here is your chance to investigate how beautiful crystals are formed.
A successful Oliphant Science Awards Crystal Investigation entry:
- Will answer an investigation question or investigate a hypothesis (prediction).
- Will include at least one crystal that shows sharpness of edges, smoothness of faces and has good clarity (transparency).
Click here to download a PDF copy of the rules for Crystal Investigation
Click here to download the Crystal Investigation project checklist
Click here to download a copy of the judging rubric
Click here to download a schools order form for alum from Rowe Scientific
Rules for Crystal Investigation:
- A group of up to 3 students can complete a Crystal Investigation entry. The highest year level in the group will determine the year category of the entry.
- Growing the crystals must be the student’s own work.
- The crystals must be made from potash alum (common alum, potassium aluminium sulphate).
- You must keep a journal or log book of your investigation, which will include details of:
- The investigation question or hypothesis.
- Details of equipment and method used, including the quantities of alum and water used.
- Dates and times of carrying out procedures.
- Observations each time the crystals are inspected. This should include a written description as well as drawings or photographs of the crystals.
- A discussion of any problems encountered and how you overcame them. Evaluate your method and make suggestions for improvements that could be made to it.
Key Dates
Monday 21 July - Sunday 27 July - journal / log book submitted online
Wednesday 30 July - Packaged crystal(s) & hard copy log book delivered onsite
- A summary of your findings, including an answer to your investigation question or a statement stating if the hypothesis was supported or not supported by the results.
In presenting your Crystal Investigation entry:
- An electronic copy of your log book MUST be uploaded to the Oliphant Science Awards website between 21-27 July 2025. Details can be found here.
- You must package your best crystal(s) in a labelled, separate, small press-seal bag. This bag should then be placed into a padded Post Pak envelope for protection. Be sure to also label the small press-seal bag with your ID Number (listed on your Identification Label).
- You must securely attach your Identification Label (your Coordinator will give you this label) to the front of your padded Post Pak envelope.
- A hard copy of your log book / journal should be delivered onsite with your entry as well as having been submitted online.
Important information:
- You need at least 10 weeks to grow a good crystal.
- Information and advice on growing crystals is available for download here.
- You can also download a log book checklist (pdf) and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for alum (potassium aluminium sulphate).
A good source of alum is needed to grow a clear crystal. Ask your teacher where to obtain alum.
Alum obtained from hardware stores or garden centres is likely to contain impurities and is not suitable without extensive extra preparation.
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