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borax crystal making
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Borax Crystals

This borax crystal recipe is a fun science experiment for kids and adults alike!
Course Kids Crafts
Prep Time 30 minutes
Set Time 24 hours
Total Time 24 hours 30 minutes
Servings 5 crystals
Cost $5

Equipment

  • Spoon
  • Measuring cup(s) 2 cups minimum
  • Saucepan
  • Scissors

Ingredients

  • 2 pipe cleaners for each color crystal you want
  • 24 oz Mason jar(s) or other glass container, for each crystal you are making
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Twine or thread
  • 3/4 cup Borax for each container

Instructions

  • Take two pipe cleaners together and fold them onto themselves to create a (somewhat) round crystal shape. Try not to leave any openings or gaps.
    folding the pipe cleaners into a round shape
  • 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. Nothing should touch the bottom of the container.
    pipe cleaners folded into rounds
  • 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.
    Hanging a pipe cleaner from a popsicle stick
  • Repeat steps 1-3 for each pipe cleaner.
    Suspending pipe cleaners in glass jars
  • In a small saucepan boil 2 cups of water per glass container. Add 3/4 cups (12 tablespoons of Borax) to each jar, then carefully add the boiling water. Stir until all the Borax is dissolved.
    Pouring boiling water into glass jars with Borax
  • Carefully lower the pipe cleaner into the borax water with the popsicle stick resting on the mouth of the vessel. Repeat with all jars.
    Pipe cleaners suspended in the Borax water
  • Let everything sit and crystallize for at least 24 hours.
    Crystals forming on the pipe cleaners
  • Carefully remove the stick and twine from the Borax solution. Lay on a paper towel to remove excess liquid. Cut off the twine or thread as close to the crystal as you can to finish.
    Removing a crystal from the jar

Notes

Note: Because Borax is hygroscopic in nature, it can absorb moisture from the air. As your crystals sit out, their texture and appearance may change.
Storage: If you live in an arid (dry) climate, just keep the dust off of them. If you live in a more humid climate, I would store them in a sealed container. You can also add a desiccant, such as a silica gel packet.