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by Laura Davy
Topics: Fifth Grade, Science

Your child is familiar with coal: it's those chalky black briquettes that cook up burgers and hot dogs on the open grill. But does your child know that with a lot of pressure - and even more time - coal can be transformed into glittering diamonds?
 
You don't have to wait millions of years to turn coal into a beautiful gem. With this activity, watch coal turn into crystals right before your eyes!  While you're at it, take time to explain how diamonds are formed: your child will be surprised to learn that natural material, like peat, is compressed over years and years into carbon-rich coal, and then into crystals!

 

What You'll Need:

  • an adult helper

  • measuring spoon

  • liquid blue laundry detergent

  • iodized salt (table salt)

  • small bottle of ammonia

  • small jar

  • plastic picnic spoon or old table spoon

  • 8 to 10 charcoal briquettes

  • disposable pie tin

  • food coloring – any colors

 

What You Do:

  1. Measure 2 tablespoons each of liquid blueing, laundry detergent, salt, and ammonia into a small jar. Have an adult helper supervise this mixing. Avoid breathing the ammonia fumes as much as possible. Stir with an old tablespoon or plastic picnic spoon.

  2. Place 3 or 4 charcoal briquettes on a disposable pie tin. Add a few drops of food coloring on each briquette.

  3. Pour some of the detergent, salt, and ammonia solution over the top of the charcoal pieces. While the crystals are forming, replenish your supply of solution.

  4. As you enjoy the beautiful colors and shapes that emerge, repeat the process with 3 or 4 more briquettes.