National Crystal Growing Competition

The Italian Association of Crystallography and the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences of Turin are launching the 6th NATIONAL CRYSTAL GROWING COMPETITION for Secondary School students.

It is a matter of a CHALLENGE IN THE WORKSHOP to explore the world of crystal growing through engaging, hands-on activities that spark scientific curiosity.

The THEME guiding the discovery of the world of crystals this year is THE JOURNEY, an interdisciplinary experience that will be communicated using both video and poster formats.

The VIDEOS will be submitted to the European Crystallography Video Contest, whereas the POSTERS will be presented at the MRSN on the awards day and during the several outreach events run by the Italian Association of Crystallography. The winners will have their works showcased in a thematic exhibition.

LAUNCH EVENT on Tuesday 30 September 2025

Mineralogy Workshop, 9.00 am to 1.30 pm

Workshops intended for: students in their third to fifth year of the first cycle of secondary education and for students in secondary school.

Duration of each workshop: one hour

Cost: free of charge, subject to full capacity in workshops

- Students need to bring pencil and eraser

- One teaching handout per class will be provided

- Maximum number of students per for each workshop: 25

Minerals and Crystals, a Mineralogy Workshop

Shifts: 09.30 to 10.30, 10.45 to 11.45, 12.00 to 1.00 p.m.

Each workshop is run by the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences’ Educational Section.
This educational aim focuses on equipping students with the knowledge to identify common minerals, understand crystal formation, and describe their formation environments. An introductory exercise involve identifying the most common mineral samples by examining their key properties like structure, colour, hardness, flexibility and whether they conduct electricity or heat. This activity is followed by the direct observation of a number of samples.

The Alchemy of Minerals: where Magic becomes Science

Shifts: 09.30 to 10.30, 10.45 to 11.45, 12.00 to 1.00 p.m.

The workshop, organised by the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Turin, is designed to turn science into an intriguing adventure. Each participant becomes a little alchemist, discovering the magic hidden in minerals and chemical reactions. An engaging experience to unveil mineral properties, analyse colourful chemical reactions and cultivate a real Chemical Garden.
The tactile and visual exploration of minerals, combined with investigating their surrounding environment, fosters learning and scientific observation. This hands-on approach cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity by allowing for direct interaction with the subject matter.

Info and booking:

telephone: +39 0114326307, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.;
e-mail didattica.mrsn@regione.piemonte.it

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Presentation of the Competition and Lecture on crystallography

Beyond Molecules: How Crystallography Taught Us to Observe the World

by Professor Massimo Moret

From the fundamental concepts of the discovery of the nature of crystals, to their formation and growth, up to the birth of chemical structural diffraction. Applications of the knowledge acquired in crystallography will be discussed rigorously, yet in language accessible, with particular emphasis on crystal growth. This last point will allow students to appreciate the relevance of the profession of crystallographer and/or crystal grower in academic and industrial settings. Finally, as part of the dissemination of knowledge to young people, some ideas and suggestions will be provided for starting a high-quality amateur crystal growth business.

Professor Massimo Moret is a professor of Chemistry at the University of Milan-Bicocca. He is the author of numerous scientific articles and conference papers. He has published a popular monograph on crystallography and, since 2015, has given lectures on Symmetry and Crystals, The Faraday Candle, The Periodic Table of the Elements, and Crystal Growth, as well as interactive crystal workshops for girls and boys aged 8 to 12.

Intended for high school and university students and the general public.

Free admission with reservations required