Our most recent experiment was growing crystal gardens from household supplies including salt, ammonia, and laundry bluing mixed with water. As the water evaporates, the chemicals in the household supplies form crystals. We cannot wait to see how our crystals turn out!
If you want to try it at home, here's the recipe:
3 tablespoons each of the following ingredients
Add to it 2 tablespoons salt.
Mix all ingredients together until the salt has dissolved.
Place a rough rock, piece of styrofoam, or a sponge into a small clear container. Pour 1/3 of the mixture into the container over the base material (rock, sponge, etc.) If desired, carefully drop three or four drops of assorted food coloring into the container. Set aside in a well-ventilated area where they will not be disturbed. A window sill is a perfect place. As the water evaporates, the crystals will form. They are very delicate and will break if touched, so be very careful.
If you want to try it at home, here's the recipe:
3 tablespoons each of the following ingredients
- water
- household ammonia
- laundry bluing (can be found in the detergent aisle)
Add to it 2 tablespoons salt.
Mix all ingredients together until the salt has dissolved.
Place a rough rock, piece of styrofoam, or a sponge into a small clear container. Pour 1/3 of the mixture into the container over the base material (rock, sponge, etc.) If desired, carefully drop three or four drops of assorted food coloring into the container. Set aside in a well-ventilated area where they will not be disturbed. A window sill is a perfect place. As the water evaporates, the crystals will form. They are very delicate and will break if touched, so be very careful.