Sadly, hobbyist-level of crystal growth almost always either involves hydrates or, unsurprisingly, water-soluble formations, leaving you with delicate structure

Sadly, hobbyist-level of crystal growth almost always either involves hydrates or, unsurprisingly, water-soluble formations, leaving you with delicate structures of low Mohs hardness or pieces that require specific humidity ranges. It would be interesting if it were otherwise, because you could shape the growth of items that were amenable to handling, as well as embedding smaller items in them, perhaps making for things that were both attractive and functional.