How to Make Laundry Bluing Crystals

Growing crystals is a classic science project for young students. Help your children bloom their own crystal gardens with laundry bluing and a few other household items, and make learning about science fun. You will need three to four days to get your garden growing.

Things You'll Need

• Damp sponge or charcoal briquettes
• Margarine tub
• 7 tbsp. salt
• 5 tbsp. laundry bluing
• 5 tbsp. water
• 3 tbsp. household ammonia
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Insert the sponge into the margarine tub.

2. Mix 3 tbsp. each salt, bluing and water and pour it on the sponge. Leave it out overnight.

3. Add 2 tbsp. salt to the top of the sponge on the second day.

4. Mix 2 tbsp. each salt, bluing, water and ammonia on the third day. Pour the mixture at the base of the sponge. Do not pour it on top of the sponge. Add a few drops of food coloring, if desired.

5. Watch your crystal flowers bloom.

Tips & Warnings

• You may also substitute clay pot shards or other porous materials as the base for growing the crystals.

• When your garden stops growing, add another batch of the third day's mixture to the base.

References

• OSU College of Engineering: An Amazing Crystal Garden...And So Easy to Make!
• Wm. A. Killian Hardware Co.: Laundry Bluing
• Mrs. Stewart: The Salt Crystal Garden Recipe
• Rockhounding Arkansas: Experiments in Growing Crystals