iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Scientists used controlled crystal growth to create tiny, vase-like silica-carbonate structures—along with helices, trumpets and a hedgehog-shaped optical component. These are microscopic research structures, not ordinary vases or consumer products. The 2017 report described laboratory demonstrations of light guiding and splitting, while broader uses in optical and electronic devices remained prospective.
What are “microvases”?
Microvases are intricate silica-carbonate crystal structures with shapes that resemble miniature vases. The name describes their appearance: they are not vessels intended to hold liquid. A 2017 Chemistry World report described a framework developed by US scientists for controlling mineral growth into sculpted forms.
The reported examples included vase-like shapes, helices, trumpet-like structures and a hedgehog-like form with radiating spikes. The work was notable because the scientists guided crystal growth toward complex shapes rather than relying only on conventional fabrication or on structures assembling into simpler, more symmetric forms.
How did the researchers control the shapes?
The reported growth solution used carbon dioxide, barium chloride (BaCl₂) and sodium metasilicate (Na₂SiO₃), together with barium carbonate seed crystals. The researchers adjusted conditions including pH and temperature, as well as the number of seed crystals, to influence the resulting structures.
#1 Best Overall
- FAST-GROWING CRYSTALS IN 6 COLORS - Grow blue, red, purple, green, yellow, and glow in the dark crystals! Crystal chemistry has never been so fast (grows in 3 - 4 days), fun, and colorful, making this the perfect educational activity or gift!
- GROWING IS EASY – Easy-to-follow instructions and the 2 included silicone growing chambers make growing your crystals easier than ever!
- NIGHT LIGHT DISPLAY – Show off 5 of your favorite home-grown crystals in the USB-powered (cable included) light-up display! This fun kids STEM activity can help inspire a lifelong love of science and learning.
- INCLUDES REAL CRYSTAL SPECIMENS – Start or expand your rock collection with 4 real gemstone specimens: rose quartz, fluorite, blue calcite, and quartz geode. Learn about the gemstones in the kit with the included full-color Learning Guide.
- AMAZON EXCLUSIVE - Blue Marble has developed this product exclusively for Amazon.
This is a description of a research method, not a home recipe. The report does not provide the full protocol or enough detail to reproduce the structures, and it does not establish that the chemicals or procedure are suitable for an amateur setting. It characterizes the approach as cheap and scalable, but supplies no comparative cost, scale, yield or performance figures to substantiate those descriptions.
What did the structures do with light?
Helices and trumpets guided light
The report says helical and trumpet-like structures acted as waveguides, carrying light in a way similar to optical fibres. This was a laboratory demonstration of optical behavior, not evidence that the structures had been incorporated into deployed products.
Rank #2
- GROW VIBRANT COLORED CRYSTALS - Grow crystals in 3 amazing colors: blue, purple, and green. With this engaging and educational science experiment for kids, chemistry has never been so fun and colorful!
- NIGHT LIGHT DISPLAY - Show off your crystals on the patent-pending light-up display. With 7 single color modes, rainbow color mode, and 3 brightness levels to choose from, your crystal treasures will shine!
- COMPLETE SCIENCE KIT – Contains all you need! Growing powder, clear seed rocks, growing chamber, light-up display, and easy-to-follow instructions. Our uniquely flexible growing chamber allows you to easily remove your crystals for display without damage!
- START A ROCK COLLECTION – This kit comes with 3 real gemstone specimens, including a geode, green fluorite, and blue calcite, along with a detailed learning guide explaining how crystals grow and more! Makes an excellent STEM gift for boys and girls.
- AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS - Blue Marble, winner of the Toy Association's prestigious Toy of the Year Award, proudly develops products that foster education, imagination, and creativity, with a U.S. support team to ensure a stellar experience!
A hedgehog-like structure split light
For one optical beam-splitting demonstration, the researchers doped barium carbonate seed crystals with rhodamine B. Separately, a hedgehog-like structure was grown from strontium chloride (SrCl₂) and sodium metasilicate on a seed crystal. According to the report, it split light from a fluorescence microscope and directed light toward the ends of its spikes.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat might microstructures like these be used for?
The report presented optical and electronic devices as possible future applications. The demonstrated waveguiding and beam splitting show optical functions in a laboratory setting; they do not establish a finished device, commercial availability or practical performance in a product. The report does not give quantitative optical measurements or enough information to assess how the structures would compare with components made by other methods.
Rank #3
- 5 CRYSTAL-GROWING ACTIVITIES – This ultimate crystal kit lets kids safely grow five unique types of crystals: a mini crystal, a dinosaur-shaped crystal, a glow-in-the-dark crystal, 2 crystal trees, and awesome underwater crystals!
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK CRYSTAL – Grow a luminous crystal that shines in the dark, making science fun even after the lights go out.
- UNDERWATER CRYSTALS – Kids will love watching 4 vibrant crystals grow right before their eyes in a safe, immersive underwater environment!
- CRYSTAL TREES & DINOSAUR – Grow a sparkling crystal-covered dinosaur figure and 2 colorful crystal trees for an eye-catching display.
- ALL-INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL SCIENCE KIT – Includes crystal solutions, crystal-growing stones, display container, dinosaur mold, tree forms, safety gear, kid-friendly instructions & an educational Learning Guide filled with cool facts about crystals!
Chemistry World contrasted the approach with lithography, 3D printing and colloidal self-assembly. It characterized lithography as difficult to scale up, said 3D printing could not accurately make micrometre-sized structures, and described self-assembly as generally producing symmetric forms. These are the report’s comparisons, not universal conclusions about every modern technique or application.
Can you grow a microvase at home?
The reported work concerns research-scale structures made using specialized chemistry and controlled growth conditions. The report describes no consumer kit or home-safe procedure, so it should not be treated as a do-it-yourself activity. Its account also does not state exact dimensions, yields or a complete protocol.
Rank #4
- FAST-GROWING CRYSTALS IN 8 COLORS - Blue, pink, red, purple, green, orange, yellow, and glow in the dark; crystal chemistry has never been so fast (grows in 3 - 4 days), fun, and colorful! The perfect educational gift for boys and girls.
- GROWING IS EASY – Easy-to-follow instructions and the 2 included silicone growing chambers make growing your crystals easier than ever!
- NIGHT LIGHT DISPLAY – Show off 5 of your favorite home-grown crystals in the USB-powered (cable included) light-up display! This fun kids STEM activity can help inspire a lifelong love of science and learning.
- INCLUDES REAL CRYSTAL SPECIMENS – Start or expand your rock collection! Comes with 5 real gemstone specimens: quartz, rose quartz, fluorite, calcite, and amethyst. Learn about the gemstones in the kit with the included, full-color Learning Guide.
- AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS - Blue Marble, winner of the Toy Association's prestigious Toy of the Year Award, proudly develops products that foster education, imagination, and creativity, with a U.S. support team to ensure a stellar experience!
What the 2017 report establishes—and what it does not
The article cites C. N. Kaplan and colleagues’ 2017 paper in Science (DOI: 10.1126/science.aah6350). The Chemistry World coverage supports the broad account of controlled mineral growth and the described optical demonstrations. It does not provide the numerical dimensions, yields, full method or quantitative optical performance needed to evaluate reproducibility or device readiness.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A REMARKABLY COMPREHENSIVE GEOLOGY KIT: This Earth Science Kit has got you covered with all the essentials to keep kids engaged and learning for hours, including a dig brick packed with gemstones, along with a hammer, chisel, brush, magnifying glass, goggles, gem collection box, two geodes, two measuring cups, and an easy-to-follow illustrated manual. Our gem digging kit for kids is not only a fantastic STEM activity but also makes a perfect gift for both girls and boys!
- IGNITE YOUR CHILD'S PASSION FOR SCIENCE: Unlock the hidden gemstone inside the rock with a satisfying tap, or marvel at the dazzling crystals inside the geode. There's nothing more thrilling in the world of geology. And that's not all - our stem toys also includes two packs of crystal powder to simulate the mesmerizing process of crystal growth. These magical discoveries and hands-on experiences allow kids to learn scientific knowledge and develop a passion for science, geology,and paleontology.
- CREATE HIGH-QUALITY FAMILY TIME: This geological excavation kit is an interactive STEM activity set that can be enjoyed not only by kids but also by parents and family members, creating a more enriching family experience. The rock digging kit helps children stay away from smartphones and computer games, allowing them to connect with nature and explore science.
- ILLUSTRATED & EASY-TO-FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: Our manual provides detailed and clear illustrations for each STEM activity in the fossil and gemstone dig kit; it includes explanations for each gemstone, an introduction to geodes, and instructions on how to make crystals. With this manual, children can easily follow step-by-step instructions to complete all the experiments, gaining both enjoyment and knowledge.
- FUN AND EDUCATIONAL GIFT FOR KIDS: This science educational toys complies with the US Toy Safety Requirements. Each experiment comes with illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions and video guides, making it a breeze for kids to understand and enjoy. The kids toys perfect for Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, New Year gifts, Children's day gifts, holiday gifts and weekend activities. Parents and children can bond over quality family time while exploring the fascinating world of science together.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
