PP139 - The preparation of hydrated zinc sulfate crystals

Preparing salts is a common activity at GCSE level, bringing together many useful skills. Making copper sulfate crystals (PP027), which involves making copper(II) sulfate from copper(II) oxide, is the most convenient to carry out. The acid/base reaction readily produces stunningly beautiful crystals. Preparing crystals from redox reactions by reacting acids with metals can be more frustrating. However, the skills students need to utilise are the same, so this procedure can be used to reinforce those skills.