Colorful Crystals
Create stunning and vibrant crystals at home through this engaging and educational project that combines science and artistry.
Ingredients
For the crystal solution
- 1 cup Water Boiled for the solution
- 1/2 cup Borax Use to create the crystal solution
- various Food Coloring Choose different colors for unique crystals
For the setup
- 1 Glass or Plastic Jar To hold the solution and crystals
- 1 String or Pipe Cleaner For shaping the crystal structure
- 1 Spoon For stirring the solution
- 1 Cooking Pot To boil water for the solution
- 1 Stirring Stick For mixing the solution
- 1 Paper Towel For cleaning up
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil one cup of water in a cooking pot.
- Add 1/2 cup of Borax to the boiling water.
- Stir the mixture until the Borax completely dissolves.
Add Color
- Divide the solution into different jars if making multiple colors.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to each jar and stir gently.
Set Up Your Crystals
- Take a string or pipe cleaner and shape it into a desired form (e.g., a star or spiral).
- Attach the string to a pencil or skewer to keep it suspended above the bottom of the jar without touching it.
Grow Your Crystals
- Pour the Borax solution into your jars until the string is covered.
- Set the jars in a quiet, undisturbed location.
Observe Over Time
- Allow the crystals to grow for about 24-48 hours.
- Carefully remove the crystals from the jars, rinse them in cold water, and let them dry on a paper towel.
Notes
Experiment with different shapes, colors, and alternative solutions like Epsom salt or sugar. Supervise children when performing the experiment, especially when using Borax.