Borax Crystals
This borax crystal recipe is a fun science experiment for kids and adults alike!
Servings 5 crystals
Cost $2
Equipment
- Spoon
- Measuring cup(s) 2 cups minimum
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 pipe cleaners for each color crystal you want
- 24 oz Mason jar(s) or other glass jar, for each crystal you are making
- Popsicle sticks
- Twine or thread
- 3/4 cup Borax per jar
Instructions
- Take two pipe cleaners together and fold them over themselves to create a (somewhat) round crystal shape. Try not to leave any openings or gaps.
- Cut 6-8 inches of twine or thread. Tie twine to the pipe cleaner. In a clean and dry glass jar measure how long the twine should be suspended. The pipe cleaner should not touch the bottom of the jar.
- Once the twine is measured attach the other end to a popsicle stick. Double-check that the length of the twine (or thread) is good, if it’s too long or too short adjust accordingly.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for each pipe cleaner.
- Set the pipe cleaner aside. In a small saucepan boil 2 cups of water per glass jar. Add 3/4 C Borax powder to the jar, then carefully add the boiling water. Stir until all the Borax is dissolved.
- Carefully lower the pipe cleaner into the borax water with the popsicle stick resting on the mouth of the glass jar. Repeat with all jars and pipe cleaners.
- Let the pipe cleaners sit and crystallize for at least 24 hours.
- Carefully remove the crystalized pipe cleaner from the Borax solution. Lay on a paper towel to remove excess liquid. Carefully cut off the twine or thread as close to the crystal as you can.
