Talk about coincidences. I was just looking at possible glass globe supplies when my friend Aims called my attention to
this fun video tutorial by Mark Montano. She knew I would love it as I do have a background in science. But really, anyone can learn to grow your own crystal jewelry! This is a staple of grade school science projects.
The basic ingredient for his tutorial is just borax (sodium borate) which is used in various household cleaners and detergents. It also has
a ton of other uses. It has low toxicity (and is actually a naturally occuring substance) so it is safe to use. Borax can be bought in the laundry detergent section of stores or even Amazon - one brand is
20 Mule Team Borax.
Some points about the video. Mark uses boiling water as it helps dissolve the borax more quickly. It doesn't have to be boiling - just hot. Also note that you should add enough borax to the solution until it cannot dissolve any more - some powdery stuff will remain. This is what is known as a saturated solution.
He also used pipe cleaner to so the crystals have somewhere to grow on. You could try different shapes like
a borax crystal heart or a
borax snowflake. It doesn't have to be a pipe cleaner either. Check out his
golden geode video tutorial where he grow those crystals on pebbles.
Other common household items can also be used for crystal making.
Check out this quick crystal project using Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) . Or use alum powder used for pickling (spices section of grocery store). Check out some tips on alum crystal growing
here.
Crystal growing is more of an art so you will have to experiment including keeping stable temperatures etc.
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