Silver nitrate and copper

Dendritic crystal growth is a gorgeous thing. In our summer workshops we use a pounded copper piece and a single drop of silver nitrate solution - always trying to minimize the amount of chemicals that we use. We then place the slide under a stereoscope - or a digital microscope, whatever's available doncha know - to show to the entire workshop.

Thanks to Todd Bolenbaugh at Tolles Career & Technical Center for this video - as well as all of the others that he's filmed over the past few years.