The Geode Experiment

Project Summary

Can we create minerals?

Why did you do this project?

How can minerals be created? Do we need time to create minerals?

How did you make your project or solve this problem?

We watched a video about geodes and learned about the geode experiment. We used eggshells, glue, hot water, food coloring, and borax. The solution—colored with food coloring and supersaturated with borax—cooled down, and since the eggshells with glue and a pinch of borax were inside, the borax crystallized and adhered to the eggshells. 

What did you find out?

We were able to create structures similar to geodes in a short amount of time, 24 to 48 hours, unlike in nature, where it takes thousands to millions of years to be formed. 

Why do your results matter?

The eggshell geodes were made and they were beautiful. We learned that it takes a lot of time for geodes to be created in nature, thats why we have to take care of minerals because they are depletable. 

What could you do next?

We will improve our experiment by using less food coloring so that we can observe the crystallization more clearly, since the water was cloudy. We can try to make the experiment on another surface, like a plastic spoon, or a smooth rock. 

References

We used the Emily´s Science Lab video to make the experiment. 

Thanks to Mrs. XH. our Science teacher for her help.