Borax Crystal Gems
Create beautiful Borax crystal gems using everyday materials in a fun and engaging craft project that combines science with creativity.
Ingredients
Materials
- 1 cup Borax (sodium borate) This is the main ingredient for crystal growth.
- 3 cups boiling water Boiling water is essential for dissolving Borax.
- 1 piece glass jar (wide-mouth) Ideal for allowing crystals to grow.
- 1 piece string or pipe cleaners Used to create a base for crystals to grow.
- 1 piece pencil or stick To suspend the string/pipe cleaner above the solution.
- to taste food coloring (optional) Add for vibrant crystal colors.
- 1 piece saucepan For boiling water.
- 1 piece stirring utensil To mix Borax into the water.
Instructions
Preparing the Solution
- Begin by boiling 3 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Carefully add 1 cup of Borax to the boiling water. Stir well until the Borax is fully dissolved. The mixture will appear clear.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the solution for vibrant crystals.
Setting Up Crystals to Grow
- Pour your Borax solution into the glass jar.
- Shape the string or pipe cleaner into your desired form (like a star or heart) for the crystals to grow on.
- Tie the string or pipe cleaner to a pencil or stick and suspend it above the solution in the jar. Ensure it doesn’t touch the bottom or sides of the jar.
Growing Crystals
- Place the jar in a cool, undisturbed area. Allow it to sit for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Watch as crystals start to form! You’ll see them cling to the string or pipe cleaner and grow larger over time.
Notes
You can create custom shapes using cookie cutters with pipe cleaners. Experiment with different shades of food coloring for multicolored gems. For larger crystals, use more Borax and a larger container. Set up several jars with varying colors and shapes for a dazzling display.