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| Crystallized rock and seashells |
Here are some odds and ends from earlier crystallization experiments (see
Crystallization for earlier experiments with books, photos, and eyeglasses). I think the point here is that you can crystallize absolutely anything and the question is: What would look far more interesting if it was crystallized? I already have my next experiment in mind...stay tuned.
Once again the formula used is 3 tablespoons 20 Mule Team Borax (available in any supermarket) to one cup boiling water. Stir to create a supersaturated solution, immerse your object, and walk away. You'll have stunning crystals in less than a day.
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| Crystallized rock |
If you're like me you tend to pick stuff up when you're wandering along the seashore. Once you get home you empty your pockets and end up with shells and rocks scattered here and there throughout your house. Now you can crystallize them and while they will still just be a bunch of crap lying around your house, they will be very, very interesting and mysterious crap.
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| Crystals following their own path along a seam in the rock |
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| Close-up |
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| Scallop shell with gorgeous crystals |
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| Close-up: gorgeously fat borax crystals |
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| Clam shell sporting a spill of crystals |
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| Close-up |
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| The end. |
I am completely inspired and have a leaf in the borax solution as I write this. I'll link back to you from my site when I post about it. Many thanks for your brilliant voice.
ReplyDeleteGreat! That's what I wated - for everyone to plunge something into borax. I've just finished a miniature dress I'll be immersing later today.
DeleteWeeeeee!!!!
DeleteWe are totally doing this. We have a habit of collecting glass, shells, bones and bits of drift wood. I can't wait to see what happens and The Boyfriend is all in on this experiment.
ReplyDeleteWonderful - have a great time. I love going into that mad scientist vibe.
DeleteHow were you able to get the really large borax crystals to grow? So far mine have all been small and I’d love to learn!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any special tricks for you. I just used the borax solution described above. What you are growing the crystals on probably makes a difference, and the longer you leave objects in solution the more crystals you'll get.
DeleteI find the crystals to be easily dislodged. Have you experimented with any sealants to minimize the fragile crystals from coming off?
ReplyDeleteI don’t pick the pieces up and handle them a lot, so this hasn’t been an issue. And some pieces I have hanging in the wall (a crystallized fairy dress and a crystallized photograph have no issues with stuff falling off. Sealant never occurred to me, but it would be worth experimenting.
Deletehave you experimented with using something to seal the crystals? I had crystallized twigs but accidentally bumped one and the crystals fell off. Makes me wonder if there is a way to protect the final pieces without dulling their beauty
ReplyDeleteTried to respond to this above, but again, if you treat the object as a display piece rather than handling it, it would minimize the issue. Report back if you try sealant and let me know what happens!
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