Borax Crystals
Create stunning Borax crystals with this engaging science project that shows the beauty of crystallization and is perfect for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Materials
- 1 cup hot water Ensure water is very hot for better results.
- 3 tablespoons Borax Dissolve in hot water to create a saturated solution.
- 1 glass jar or container Choose a clean container for the crystals to grow.
- string or pipe cleaner Optional for hanging the crystals.
- pencil or a stick Optional to suspend the string.
- food coloring Optional for making colored crystals.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil about 1 cup of water until it’s very hot.
- Add 3 tablespoons of Borax to the hot water and stir until completely dissolved.
Set Up Your Jar
- Choose a clean glass jar or container for the crystal growth.
- If using string, tie it to a pencil or stick and suspend it in the jar without letting it touch the bottom.
Add Color (Optional)
- If you want colored crystals, add a few drops of food coloring to the solution and stir gently.
Crystal Growth
- Carefully pour the Borax solution into the jar, ensuring the string, if used, remains suspended.
- Place the jar in a quiet, undisturbed area and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
Reveal Your Crystals
- Check the next day for crystal formation on the string or at the bottom of the jar.
- Carefully remove the crystals and let them dry.
Notes
Try varying the amount of Borax for different sizes of crystals; you can experiment with temperatures and other materials like Epsom salt or sugar for unique shapes. Document your process with photographs to see the changes over time.