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Specialty Chemistry Forums => Materials and Nanochemistry forum => Topic started by: charlieblack on October 10, 2011, 11:11:32 AM

Title: Longevity of Borax crystals
Post by: charlieblack on October 10, 2011, 11:11:32 AM
Hi, Can anyone please tell me how long borax crystals last for? It is a very important for me to find out as I am making decorations to sell and i have been asked to find out as soon as possible

Thank you
Title: Re: Longevity of Borax crystals
Post by: Arkcon on October 10, 2011, 03:16:49 PM
As I recall (and sorry, I can't find a citation), sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Borax) crystals are efflorescencent, they lose their water of crystallization, and change into a dry powder when exposed to lower humidity.  So you may have a problem with maintaining a decorative crystal.  You could always try varnishing them, it might help.