Do living things make crystals?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Do living things make crystals?

The Big Idea

Crystals aren't only in rocks. Living things make crystals too! Even you do!

Bones and Teeth

Step one: Bones and Teeth. Your bones and teeth contain tiny crystals of a calcium mineral that make them hard. Seashells are crystals of calcium carbonate.

Inner Ear

Step two: Inner Ear. Inside your inner ear are tiny calcium carbonate crystals that help your balance. They act like little weights that shift when you tilt your head.

Magnetic Bacteria

Step three: Magnetic Bacteria. Some bacteria even make tiny magnetic crystals. They use them to sense Earth's magnetic field.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Bones are strong. Teeth are hard. Shells are crystals. Ears help balance.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Tooth enamel is the hardest part of your body. Shells are crystals. Ear crystals help balance. Some bacteria use magnets.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Find a seashell and a pearly button. Hold them under a light. Tilt them slowly. Does the shine change? Compare the two.

Outro

Living things make crystals too! Bones and teeth have calcium crystals, seashells are made of crystals, tiny ear crystals help your balance, and some bacteria make magnetic crystals. You are a crystal maker too! Your body builds crystals every day. Pretty amazing, right? Crystals are everywhere. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!