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Topic: Longevity of Borax crystals  (Read 3872 times)

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Offline charlieblack

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Longevity of Borax crystals
« 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

Offline Arkcon

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Re: Longevity of Borax crystals
« Reply #1 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.
Hey, I'm not judging.  I just like to shoot straight.  I'm a man of science.

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