A crystal growing kit lets a child mix a solution, wait and watch crystals form. Some kits make solid colored crystals, others coat tree shapes or fill a small tank. Growing time and display extras differ between listings.

The six kits below cover National Geographic, 4M, BBC Earth and JOVA sets. Counts, times and contents come from each listing page. We have not used these kits ourselves. Growing times are the makers’ own claims.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.

What to Look For

Feature Why it matters
Crystal count More crystals mean more experiments
Growing time Hours versus days changes how long a child waits
Display A stand, light base or case shows the results
Extras Specimens, guides and lit stands differ by kit

Specs at a Glance

Kit Crystals Time Notes
NatGeo Mega 6 colors 3 to 4 days claimed 2 silicone chambers; USB light-up display; 4 gemstone specimens
NatGeo 3 Crystals 3 colors (blue, purple, green) Not stated Light-up stand; 3 gemstone specimens; learning guide
4M 7 Crystal 7 experiments Not stated Display case; hot water, distilled suggested
NatGeo Crystal Tree 6 trees As little as 6 hours claimed 5 watercolor pens; 1 geode specimen
BBC Earth Aquarium 4 crystal rocks Grow up to 4 in tall Reusable 8.25 x 5 x 1.75 in tank
JOVA Crystal Land 6 landscape elements Within 12 hours claimed Light-up base; 2 lighting modes

The 6 Best Crystal Growing Kits for Kids

1. National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Kit

A kit for six colors, including a glow-in-the-dark one, that the maker says grow in 3 to 4 days. It includes two silicone growing chambers, a USB-powered light-up display for five crystals and four real specimens: rose quartz, fluorite, blue calcite and a quartz geode.

Suits: the largest range of colors. Strengths: six colors and a lit display. Weaknesses: several days of waiting. Skip it if you want a quick result.

View National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Kit on Amazon

2. National Geographic Crystal Growing Kit With Display

A three-crystal kit in blue, purple and green with growing powder, clear seed rocks, a flexible growing chamber and a light-up stand offering seven single colors, a rainbow mode and three brightness levels. Three specimens are included: a geode, green fluorite and blue calcite.

Suits: a simpler first kit. Strengths: a lit stand with many modes. Weaknesses: only three crystals. Skip it if you want six.

View National Geographic 3 Crystal Growing Kit on Amazon

3. 4M 7 Crystal Growing Science Kit

A kit for seven crystal growth experiments with instructions for each and a display case. The listing suggests hot water, distilled recommended, so read its instructions before starting.

Suits: a multi-experiment set. Strengths: seven experiments. Weaknesses: hot water is part of the steps. Skip it if you want a quick result.

View 4M 7 Crystal Growing Science Kit on Amazon

4. National Geographic Crystal Tree Growing Kit

A craft and science mix with six trees (evergreen, cherry, bonsai and dragon blood) that the maker says can be covered in as little as 6 hours, colored with five watercolor pens, plus a real geode specimen and a learning guide.

Suits: a crafty child. Strengths: a quick result and color choice. Weaknesses: fewer gemstone extras. Skip it if you want solid crystals.

View National Geographic Crystal Tree Growing Kit on Amazon

5. BBC Earth Grow and Discover Crystal Aquarium

A kit for a cave-like crystal scene in blue, green, purple and yellow growing up to 4 inches tall inside a reusable 8.25 by 5 by 1.75 inch tank, with four crystal rocks, a solution, stickers and a two-in-one guide.

Suits: a display tank. Strengths: a reusable tank. Weaknesses: the tank is small. Skip it if you want gemstones.

View BBC Earth Crystal Aquarium Growing Kit on Amazon

6. JOVA Klever Kits Crystal Land Growing Lab

A craft kit with six landscape elements (volcanoes, waterfalls, forests and lakes) that the maker says bloom into crystal trees within 12 hours, and a light-up base with two lighting modes.

Suits: a mini landscape. Strengths: a lit base and a 12 hour claim. Weaknesses: a craft focus over science. Skip it if you want gemstone specimens.

View JOVA Klever Kits Crystal Land Growing Lab on Amazon

Care and Setup

  • Check the listing for what is included, such as specimens and a lit stand.
  • Follow the maker’s instructions for every step.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Expecting the claimed growing time every run.
  • Moving the kit while crystals form.
  • Skipping the maker’s instructions.
  • Choosing a craft kit when you want real gemstones.

Crystal Kit FAQ

How long do crystals take to grow?

Makers claim from 6 hours to 3 or 4 days, depending on the kit.

Which kits include real gemstones?

The two National Geographic display kits, the Mega with four specimens and the 3-crystal with three, and the Crystal Tree with a geode.

The Short Version

For six colors, the NatGeo Mega. For a simple lit kit, the 3 Crystal. For seven experiments, the 4M. For a craft mix, the Crystal Tree. For a tank, the BBC Earth. For landscapes, the JOVA.