Inside: How cool is this crystal science project – growing crystal eggs!
Growing crystals may just be the most magical science project ever. Using just water and the household cleaner, Borax, you can make your very own crystals super simply at home or school – and in this super cool crystal science experiment we’re growing magical crystal eggs! They’re so pretty…and not just for Easter!
Crystal Science: How to Grow Crystal Eggs with Borax
You will need:
- Water
- Cooking pot
- Hard boiled eggs
- Egg dying kit
- Borax powder
- Paper towel
Before You Begin:
1. Begin by hard boiling your eggs prior to setting up your project. This will make them more durable during the crystal growing process.
2. You can dye your eggs prior to crystal growing if you wish – this WILL make them look more magical, however, there are a few things to consider if you decide to dye your eggs – the colour you dye your eggs will NOT be the colour crystals that grow on the eggs. In fact, when you add your dyed eggs to the Borax mixture, the colours from all the eggs will mix together so be careful which colours you include in the one batch of Borax mixture. Your eggs will also lighten considerably, and the crystals will take on the hue of all colours mixed together.
For example, these are the eggs we used that resulted in the light pinky, violet eggs you can see in the other images.
The Borax Crystal Process:
1. Set your dyed eggs aside and bring a pot of water to a boil. Remove pot from the heat.
2. Slowly add 1/2 cup of Borax powder for every 2 cups of water you’ve heated.
3. Stir the Borax until the powder dissolves. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
4. Carefully lower your eggs into the Borax mix. Use a spoon or a dipper to protect your hands and skin. You will notice that the colour starts coming off the egg right away. Don’t panic.
5. Allow the eggs to sit in the Borax mixture overnight. In the morning, you will have a gorgeous coat of crystals on your eggs.
It really is fun to see what colour they will turn out in the end! The longer you let them sit, the more crystals they will grow.
6. Once you are satisfied with the amount of crystals, lift the eggs out of the Borax mixture and place gently onto a paper towel to dry. They are now ready to be displayed!
NOTE: Because you used Borax with these eggs, do not eat them when your project is over. Please discard.
Want to know more about how crystals form? Check out this post from Cool Facts for Kids
For more eggscellent science fun, check out our Bouncy Egg Experiment.
Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
