NA

ME DATE CLASS

PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING

Minerals, Crystals, and Gemstones

Fireworks are different colors because of the elements they contain. The same is true of
gemstones. The only difference between a piece of clear corundum crystal and a
beautiful red ruby is a slight inclusion of the element chromium. If the corundum crystal
had titanium instead, it would be a beautiful blue sapphire!

Over the course of this activity, you will develop your knowledge of crystal structures
and colors. First, you will explore the colors of elements when they are in ions in water
solutions. Then, you will explore the colors of elements of the periodic table when they
are included in crystals and gems. Finally, you will explore crystal structures and then
grow a crystal of your own.

As this research project will include many beautiful, colored photos and crystals,
consider whether you would like to present your research throughout this project as a
table, Web page, computer-based presentation, or poster.

Define the Problem: How do the elements present in crystals and

gems affect their structure and properties?

Part 1 –– Color and Charge

Not only do different elements have different colors, but some elements can form more
than one color depending on their charge. In other words, even just changing the
charge on an ion can lead to a dramatic change in the color of compounds it forms.

1. SEP Collect Data Research the transition metals chromium (Cr), manganese
(Mn), and vanadium (V) and record the colors that each element can create in
aqueous solution depending on their charge. Create a table, Web page,
computer-based presentation, or poster to summarize this data and include
colored images of solutions containing these elements.
chromium (Cr) manganese (Mn), vanadium (V)

orange (Cr6+ in pale pink (Mn2+) purple (V2+)

acidic solution)

violet (Cr3+ in brown/black (Mn4+) green (V3+)

basic solution)
Copyright © Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Savvas is not responsible for any modifications made by end users to the content posted in its original format.
NA
ME DATE CLASS

green (Cr3+ in green (Mn6+) blue (V4+)

basic solution)

blue (Cr2+ in purple (Mn7+) yellow (V5+)

acidic solution)

Part 2 –– Elements and Colors

Quartz is a common mineral based on silicon dioxide that can be perfectly clear, cloudy,
or opaque. It can be colorless, or, if it has traces of other elements included in the
crystal matrix, it can have a whole range of different colors. Quartz can even be
synthetically irradiated to get a special “smoky” look.

2. SEP Collect Data Research the different colors that quartz can have. Make a
table that records the trace elements present in each. Include images in your
presentation to show the different colors of quartz.

colorless (no impurities), light pink (titanium, iron, or manganese), milky white
(tiny bubbles of gas or liquid), purple (iron), yellow (iron), or brown (extra silicon).

Gemstone colors are also a result of the trace elements they contain.

3. SEP Collect Data Research the different colors of gemstones. Make a table that
records the trace elements present in each. Include images in your table to show
the different colors of gemstones.

Copyright © Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Savvas is not responsible for any modifications made by end users to the content posted in its original format.
NA
ME DATE CLASS

Blue gemstone; Sapphire - Iron and Titanium

Red gemstone; Ruby - Chromium

Green gemstone; Emerald - Chromium and vanadium

Yellow gemstone; Citrine - Iron

Part 3 –– Crystal Structures

The elements present in Earth’s crust can combine in a wide variety of ways to form the
shapes of minerals, crystals, and gems. The highly prized clarity of a gem is based on
the purity of its crystal structure. Some forms are common, such as quartz, while others,
such as diamonds, are rare and highly prized. Graphite, which is a useful lubricant and
writing material, is formed of the same material as diamond, and varies only in its crystal
structure.

4. SEP Collect Data Research and draw the basic crystal structures typically
found in minerals. Look up the following:
a. cubic close-packed
b. face-centered cubic
c. body-centered cubic
d. hexagonal close-packed

Include pictures of different minerals with the different crystal types, and add this
information to your presentation.

Part 4 –– Grow a Crystal

Although most of the hardest gemstones are typically formed deep underground, you can grow
your own crystals in the lab or at home by creating a supersaturated solution of Epsom salt,
salt, borax, alum, or sugar, then letting it crystallize slowly on a piece of string. Follow the steps
to grow your own crystals. Consider what you know about solutions and crystal structure as you
consider how to maximize crystal growth and what conditions will work best for each type of
crystal.

Copyright © Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Savvas is not responsible for any modifications made by end users to the content posted in its original format.
NA
ME DATE CLASS

Perform several different experimental trials. Which set of conditions produce the largest
crystals? Which conditions produced a crystal in the shortest amount of time? Keep organized
lab notes and records so you can compare with your peers. Include photographs at regular
intervals during the crystal growth as part of your records.

Materials

● solute to make crystals (Epsom salt, ● beaker

table salt, borax, alum, or sugar) ● string
● water ● stirring rod
● saucepan ● tablespoon
● hot plate

Safety

Procedure

a. Fill the saucepan with water and use the hot plate to bring the water to a boil.
b. Carefully add boiling water to fill your beaker 3/4 full.
b. Add the solute to the water a tablespoon at a time, and stir until dissolved. Keep
adding salt until it will no longer dissolve. The goal is to create a supersaturated
solution.
c. Tie one end of a piece of string to the middle of the stirring rod. Lay the stirring
rod across the mouth of the beaker so that the string hangs down into the
solution.
d. Put the beaker somewhere that you can leave it for a few days without it being
moved. Observe the beaker each day to see how the crystal has grown.

5. SEP Make Observations Record your observations of the crystal’s growth over
a number of days. Include measurements and sketches of the shapes you see.
on days 4, 5 and 6 there was with almost no more liquid in the beaker and
the crystal was very big and irregular.

Copyright © Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Savvas is not responsible for any modifications made by end users to the content posted in its original format.
NA
ME DATE CLASS

6. SEP Analyze Data Impurities from either the salt or the water can affect the
shape and color of the crystals. What shape and color are pure NaCl crystals?
How do your crystals compare? pure: Isometric, Cubic Clear to White ours:
the cristal was in a very irregular shape and it was white.

7. SEP Hypothesize Suggest why a crystal formed. the crystal was formed
because the liquid was drying out letting the Epson salt dry and then
forming the crystal.

Copyright © Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Savvas is not responsible for any modifications made by end users to the content posted in its original format.