How Fast Is Crystal Growth?

Most crystals grow at the rate of atoms snapping into place — around 30 nm per second in saturated solutions. Large, clear natural crystals take decades to form; the giant selenite crystals of Mexico's Naica cave are remarkably ancient.

Mexico's Naica cave contains selenite crystals up to 12 metres long — ancient even by geological standards.

• Similar pace to grass growing
• 600× slower than the fastest bamboo