What's hard and requires the application of a lot of science is growing crystals of one type onto a crystal of a different type such that their atoms are lined up coherently. This means that the atoms are arranged the same way on either side of the boundary between the two crystals. Engineers like to call this type of crystal growth epitaxy.
Surfactants are molecules that are really good at dissolving stuff.
This is because they are amphiphilic. They have a hydrophobic end that is attracted to grease, and a hydrophilic end on the other side that is attracted to water. When mixed with water, a bunch of surfactant molecules will surround some grease with their hydrophobic ends pointing towards the grease, and their hydrophilic ends projecting out towards the water. You can find the same surfacant chemicals in shampoo, soap, and even toothpaste. Read the labels.