Image from KiwiCo
Crystal Clear Fun: How to Grow Your Own Borax Ornaments in Just One Day (No Magic Required, Just Science!)
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking for engaging and educational activities to enjoy with our families. One such activity that combines science, creativity, and festive spirit is making borax crystal ornaments. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create these stunning ornaments, perfect for all ages from 3 to 16.
Safety First
Before we begin, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of safety when working with borax. Borax, or sodium tetraborate, is a naturally occurring mineral salt commonly used as a laundry booster or cleaner. Here are some key safety notes:
- Keep borax away from children unless they are under direct adult supervision.
- Do not allow children to ingest borax. If consumed, contact a poison control centre immediately.
- Wash hands after handling borax, as prolonged skin exposure may cause irritation.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against splashes and skin contact
Materials Needed
To create your borax crystal ornaments, you will need the following materials:
- Borax (available in the laundry section of most supermarkets)
- Boiling water
- Pipe cleaners or chenille wires
- Thin ribbon or string
- Craft sticks or pencils
- Glass jars or containers
- Optional: food colouring for a colourful twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Borax Solution
Dissolve 3 tablespoons of borax in 1 cup of boiling water. This ratio is sufficient for forming crystals, and you can adjust the quantity based on the number of ornaments you want to make. For example, for three jars, you might need around 12 cups of water and 36 tablespoons of borax. Ensure the borax is completely dissolved in the hot water to create a saturated solution
Step 2: Prepare the Ornaments
Bend the pipe cleaners into your desired shapes – stars, snowflakes, candy canes, or any other festive design. Tie the top of the shape with a piece of string or ribbon, leaving enough length to hang the ornament in the jar without touching the bottom or sides. This is crucial to allow the crystals to form evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Ornaments
Place the craft stick or pencil across the top of the jar and tie the string around it, ensuring the ornament hangs freely in the solution. Make sure the ornament is narrow enough to fit through the mouth of the jar and is not resting on the bottom or sides.
Step 4: Fill the Jars
Carefully pour the borax solution into the jars, making sure the ornaments are completely immersed. If desired, add a few drops of food colouring to the solution for a colourful effect.
Step 5: Allow Crystals to Form
Place the jars on a shelf where they can sit undisturbed for several hours or overnight. As the solution cools, you will start to see the crystals forming on the ornaments. The hot water holds more borax than cold water because the heated molecules move further apart, leaving room for the borax crystals. As the solution cools, the water molecules move closer together, and the crystals begin to form and build on one another.
Step 6: Remove and Dry
After several hours or overnight, carefully remove the ornaments from the jars and place them on paper towels to drain. Once dry, your crystal ornaments are ready to be hung on your Christmas tree or given as gifts.
Image from KiwiCo
The Science Behind It
The process of forming borax crystals is a fascinating example of chemistry in action. When borax is dissolved in hot water, it creates a saturated solution. As the solution cools, the borax molecules start to come together and form crystals. This process is similar to how snowflakes form in the winter, where water vapour in the air freezes into intricate ice crystals.
Image from SnowCrystals.com
Tips and Variations
- Colourful Ornaments: Add a few drops of food colouring to the borax solution to create colourful crystals.
- Different Shapes: Experiment with various shapes using pipe cleaners, such as icicles, hearts, or even custom designs.
- Other Materials: Try crystallizing other objects like shells or artificial flowers for unique ornaments.
- Observation: Use a microscope to observe the crystals up close and learn more about their structure..
Conclusion
Creating borax crystal ornaments is a fun, educational, and rewarding holiday activity that combines science and creativity. With minimal supervision and basic materials, children and adults alike can enjoy the magic of watching crystals form before their eyes. This activity not only adds a touch of sparkle to your holiday decorations but also provides a valuable learning experience about chemistry and the natural world. So, gather your materials, get creative, and enjoy the festive spirit of making your own borax crystal ornaments.
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Thu Giang (Jenny) Pham
RACI Marketing Officer
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