How to Grow Borax Crystals on a Skull

[@kyojane9825]

Very informative video, love how instead of answering the FAQ's you literally had examples of each :) You should sell your pieces, i've seen things like this go for a lot of money in my local crystal stores around the UK.

[@usskullhunter]

Thanks Kyo! I have sold a few but a still getting my Etsy shop up and running :)

[@kyojane9825]

No problem dude, you deserve a lot more subscribers. P.s. you little girl is freaking adorable :3 She defo persuaded me to suh scrihb

[@jeaneanemattis2100]

This is so badass I've been trying to.sm Elt gold ore with borax I had no clue you could do this with it

[@stefwassel4384]

This is so amazing, you've inspired me to do so much with the dozens of antler sheds and skulls I have laying around. I dipped an antler into the borax solution and it crystalized the tips...it came out amazing! Only thing was I didn't sand the surface so the crystals basically broke off right after 😥 live and learn lol

[@usskullhunter]

Hey Stef! Glad I can give a lil inspiration :) Let me know what you come up with with the sheds and skulls!

[@na3907]

I already Googled how to do these the other week and thought I found a blog I wanted to use. But I just Googled it again specifically for skulls and your video came up. And, just, 🤯 I wish all YT tutorials were this thorough!! Had to hop on my app just so I could comment, like & save 🤩

[@usskullhunter]

Haha I am glad to hear you found me!

[@meganthomas3212]

great video. and using Modge Podge to lock and the crystals works really well to it also helps crystals from breaking off

[@usskullhunter]

Great idea!

[@fearlessandfar]

Thanks for this bro! 😎 Love your scientific mind!

[@usskullhunter]

Thank you Mike!

[@brandyharris3646]

Wow. They turned out absolutely stunning. I will be trying this with one of my skulls as it was one of my many ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@brandyharris3646]

I appreciate your video how you further explain the growth and share more questions people may have. But I am absolutely stumped on one question I have. First off I have already grown 3 borax crystals. As I've noticed in many other videos some turn out looking more like a clump of colored sugar vs some I've seen turn out more like a real quartz crystal. Two we did turned out like a big sugar looking clump with speckles. One I started out with green food coloring I took out after 12 hours and noticed gaps in the pipe cleaners and didn't like the green. It was more florcent green. So I added more pipe cleaners and added dark blue tie dye and more borax not sure how much more I added. But left it for 13 hrs I wanna say and it turned out absolutely beautiful. It looks like a real smoky quartz crystal. So question is how do I get it to look more like a real crystal vs that sugar crystal look if you get what I'm saying.

[@grubbin207]

This is so awesome and creative! I've just been checking out your more recent videos to learn more about skull cleaning and this awesome art. You're super talented and I had to subscribe 😄

[@usskullhunter]

Hey! Sorry for the late reply. Thank you! And thanks for the sub :)

[@abigailshaw9906]

Super helpful, you answered every question I had lol I've been experimenting during quarantine with a deer spine and this will definitely help!

[@usskullhunter]

Good to hear! :)

[@badpoemachine]

This is really helpful and awesome! Thank you! You put it together well - I appreciate you, I’ve been wanting to try this for forever

[@usskullhunter]

You bet, thanks for watching Jenny!

[@G0ddessKelly]

I came for the crystals, stayed & subbed for the little sweetheart at the end 💗

[@wolflahti412]

A maximum of 520 grams of borax will dissolve in 1 liter of water at 100 °C, so 1-1/2 cups borax to 1 quart water is a less-wasteful ratio. The container should be covered while the crystals form to prevent dust from creating more seed points for crystal growth. A cover alone will not insulate enough to make a difference in cooling rate. The slower the solution cools, the larger the crystals that form. Coat your crystals with nail polish or spray clear coat to prevent moisture absorption and breakdown.

[@aaalayna]

Hunter i need your help! I just did my first three batches of crystals, your video was so helpful after reading a bunch of tutorials, watching you do it and testing your ratio of 1:1, you made it easier and i finally attempted it! so i grew a bunch of clear, blue, and dark grey crystals on seashells, a wishbone, a few feathers (fail) and a couple rocks. most all of them grew huge crystals! my problem is, when i went from batch one to batch two, i microwaved the jars (mason jars, one pickle jar, one banana pepper jar) and was able to loosen the crystals and reuse the water and borax seeds, all the jars cleaned out ok and i went to round two. round two to three, when i was microwaving a jar it exploded on me (terrifying!) but no cuts or anything and once i scrubbed the floor it was kind of cleaner haha - but i was wary to keep microwaving the jars, so i boiled water and poured them into the jars with hardened bottoms. had one more crack, disposed of it. now i have about 8 jars with VERY hardened crystals at the bottom - about 2 inches, and i cant for the life of me get them to dissolve with hot water. i've been tapping at them with a nail and hammer and a screwdriver, but i dont want to use too much force and break the jars. did i just ruin my mason jar collection?! i wanted to ask you personally for advice. i hope you see this! Thanks for your great tutorial. i really gotta get my hands on bigger disposable containers and a hundred skulls cause i don't want to stop!

[@Rabid_Canid]

Glass shatters it suddenly met with hog water

[@J1995M]

thanks so much for the ratio comparison at the end, I really didnt want to do that myself.

[@usskullhunter]

You bet

[@garymullins4815]

Thanks. I am almost 70 so my learning curve is getting smaller and smaller. I loved the video thank you. I have a large piece I want to try;so can I use plastic to grow my crystals?

[@usskullhunter]

Hey Gary! Yes, a plastic container will work :)

[@teekotrain6845]

Yes but sand first

[@chloeengelbrecht2274]

Amazing work, thank you for sharing!!! Really useful information and your way of explaining is kind and helpful!

[@usskullhunter]

Glad to help out Chloe :)

[@leahjadeturner6018]

Hi hunter 🥰 wow! I love these cute crystal skulls😃 thank you for this video, its amazing and great help for me as i am looking at making some myself 🥰 x

[@taylorhummel5624]

How do do get the bigger and longer type crystals? And do you cool the mixture before you dump it in something or can you just dunk the skull in the pot you made it in?

[@T-roccBABY]

How well do they hold together? I feel like they'll chip off the bone very easily🤔 I have a beaver with a busted eye socket (thank you cat!) And I was thinking of filling it with gold leaf but I think this will actually look better and hold together potentially better to boot.

[@expressionsbykati]

That was so helpful thank you! It was pretty hilarious that skull you used as an example had a bald spot too.

[@usskullhunter]

:)

[@samsteinback6923]

How do I get the hardened crystals out of the glass jar that stuck to the bottom and sides?

[@colingray823]

Does it matter if you use a glass jar ? Could you crystallize something in a large plastic tub or metal pan ?

[@makechange5452]

My question is how did they hold up. As I did this and at first it looked awesome. However, within a few weeks the crystals started to turn foggy and milky in color. They were no long clear looking. After about a month it just looked nasty. I likely did something wrong. I am guessing you need to spray it with a clear coat to prevent that from happening. I didn't try it a second time to see. As I wasn't sure and didn't want to waste another skull.

[@nerdzillaftw1449]

I’m not sure if anyone will see this to answer, I’m in the UK and Borax is Banned. Is there an equivalent I can use?

[@rickygoss4804]

Im a turtle skull guy and you have blown my mind great job dude i would like to see some fish head art. Im trying to dry some cat fish heads whole skeleton just a little tedious maybe some ideas would be great keep up the great work

[@usskullhunter]

Thanks Ricky! Yes, I really really want to learn how to process fish skulls :D

[@emilywoodard9229]

If you use rit fabric dye the crystals will have vibrant colors

[@chrislongoakhavenhomestead5104]

So, I have a large skull I'd like to try this with. Would a clean five gallon bucket work?

[@darkhillseuropeanmountsLLC]

Beautiful work as always sir thanks for the video Hunter

[@janegoodwin1823]

Very helpful. And extremely interesting. Thay you for the detailed information.

[@luluperestroika4093]

I could not find in the comments if you can re-use the solution? What are you doing with the remainders I suppose I should not just flush it down my sink?

[@rleticiaespinoza3664]

Can I just make crystals and then break it up as I need to attach to large cow skull

[@amylynn4201]

Have you tried adding fine holographic powder in the mix? I'm so curious if that would work, instead of how the dye stuck more to the bone etc.. if that could somehow make them somewhat holographic!

[@usskullhunter]

Hmm I have not. Definitely something to try!

[@clownking21]

Very informative and super helpful! Perfect video! Thanks!!!

[@kidsstorytimewithhunter]

Glad you liked it!

[@UnusualDesires]

Hello, you mentioned other solutions besides Borax. What are other cool products besides Borax I could try?

[@szewc_zabija_szewca]

Shi looks amazing. Gotcha try it in the future

[@crazyk9girl]

Thanks for this video. Very informative. Those are beautiful

[@jennisalonen7200]

Heyy! Thank you! Was very informative. How did you get those colors on some of the crystals?

[@Witchy-Wonderland]

Food coloring 6:16

[@LaLaLaAllDayLong]

What about plastic containers? I want to do a big piece so I was thinking of something like a mop bucket

[@mayrakopjansen2814]

Loved the video, but I never seem to get such big crystals just small ones

[@FunnieSnoopy]

So helpful! Thank you!!! Subscribed because the baby told me to. 😊

[@The_phantom_of_the_opera666]

Can you cut off the crystals to have them for yourself? And can you grow them on somthing else, and can you use plastic?

[@loviebollwage6036]

How do you get the color in the crystals

[@manicmermaid513]

Great video, very thought out!

[@paulaarana1579]

Amazing!! 😍 I have a question, can I reuse the bórax after doing a skull with another one?

[@usskullhunter]

Yes, you can

[@josephinehannon7835]

Hi, could you grow these on wood, or maybe even plastic?

[@marce3454]

I don't actually know for sure, but my guess is that they can probably grow on anything that has a good enough grip for the crystals to stay on, wood probably works great and may work on plastic if you file the surface to make it more rugged

[@rochelle2053]

Thank you for the video!! I have a couple questions... Will borax form on any material? Are borax crytals strong? And why seal the crystals? Thanks!

[@usskullhunter]

Hey Rochelle! Thanks for watching. So I can't say for sure that it will stick to any surface but most yes. Relatively strong yes. Sealing them will help strengthen the crystals to the surface as well as minimizing oxidization of the crystals over time.

[@rochelle2053]

@@usskullhunter Thanks so much!

[@emmabainton9958]

I followed the instructions and my rabbit skull turned out great!!! Just wondering what sealant should I use? I don't know what to ask for in the hardware store

[@Witchy-Wonderland]

7:10 preserving the crystals

[@lakoosdragon]

This gave all the info I really needed 👍 but one question. Where do you get the skulls if they are real? Do you kill them or just buy them? If you buy them please tell me where

[@paperplane626]

I have a question.a skull or even a bottle, better to put it on when it cools down?

[@usskullhunter]

It needs to go in while it is hot so the crystals can form as it cools down.

[@paperplane626]

@@usskullhunter Okay Thank you;)

[@GrannyHugs]

I used food coloring to the water dye the crystals on the skull purple; the crystals are clear! Why?🤷‍♀️

[@danielashe6071]

Is it possible to do this with plants?

[@adhamhaonmhaolain1860]

hi hunter just wondering how you got diffrent coloured crystals :)?

[@kidsstorytimewithhunter]

Just add 8-12 drops of common food coloring per cup of water.

[@GUILLOTINE_GANG]

Mentioned in the video: 6:12

[@kamidevine3015]

I'm late to the rodeo. I used a nonstick pan and everything came out beautifully! Thank you for this very informational video! My husband dislikes you because this is now my new fixation 😂

[@usskullhunter]

hahaha glad to have you around!

[@kimberlyaerbeydt5903]

Hey, I was wondering if you have to boil the water?

[@samsteinback6923]

Yea you do 🙂

[@Piper_has_hobbies]

Thank you so much for posting this!!! What's the link to your Etsy store and are you on Instagram?

[@usskullhunter]

Hey! No problem. I am! Instagram @u.s.skullhunter

[@viccolasvic9461]

are there more natural solvents that you can used, i don't care if they take more time but I'd like to know what enviromental requirements for say growing amethysts or other quartzites on porous material.

[@usskullhunter]

Yes there are. I am working on a video with Alum so that will be coming soon!

[@josephinelynngipson1162]

Dude I was just telling my roommate this morning I wanted to take my skulls and crystallize them with borax and then I run across your video .. it's a sign. that is bad a**!! that looks so cool

[@xXxdrushxXx]

Great video, thanks for the info :) I tried it before on a shell with Alum since borax is hard to find here. It worked great but unfortunately it didn't stick, everyting crumbled off, it was very brittle. Any tips on how to make it stick?

[@Witchy-Wonderland]

Preserving it 7:10

[@quirks3533]

I know this is a year later but I hope you discovered roughing up the surface by scraping it or using sandpaper

[@u_r_m_om]

This was so helpful!

[@boozybuck2092]

if u don't like how the crystals come out can u put it back in the mixture for another day to get afew new crystals? and if to much of the skill and or done is full of crystals can we take some of it off or will all the others come off as well?

[@kidsstorytimewithhunter]

You can melt the crystals off off of the skull by putting it in hot water. This means too that if you want to add more crystals to the existing ones you need to let the solution cool down first and then stick the skull in it. I am not sure actually how much you can do to remove some of the crystals off. If you don't want crystals on certain parts try putting Vaseline on any part you don't want the crystals to grow. Good luck!

[@joycecheng2135]

Hi thank you for he great info. after the lockdown and i managed to received my 1 Borax . may i ask 1 question , after the some hours and the crystal is form , can i re use the same liquid to add water , borax again ? thank you

[@usskullhunter]

Hey Joyce! Sorry for the delayed response. Yes, you can reheat it and use it again.

[@AshleySmith-ch7vp]

Did your borax crystals change colors over time? My borax crystals have a white film over them.

[@usskullhunter]

I have one that is just as good as when I first did it and another that has some a slight white haze to it. Both done at the same time. Might have something to do with how I sealed them.

[@fairybunz8583]

What happens if you don’t suspend it and you just place it in? I have some bones I want to do this with but they are too large to suspend in any of my jars or pots

[@usskullhunter]

So if it is just placed in the jar it will most likely stick to the bottom and you will end up with kinda a "slab" or crystals on the bottom of the piece.

[@fairybunz8583]

Thank you!

[@fairybunz8583]

Do you prefer a matt or glossy clear coat?

[@usskullhunter]

Glossy helps highlight the crystals. My preference anyhow :)

[@JessWrong]

Anyone know the UK-equivalent of Borax?

[@83110770]

It's banned : moralfibres.co.uk/is-borax-safe/

[@BeeKisses]

I get mine from a certain precious metal refiner here in the UK

[@yee-lq6ut]

can i use any type of borax or only that specific kind??

[@usskullhunter]

Any borax will do.

[@altar.of.the.goddess5499]

Hi! Almost 3 years have passed, are the ones glossy sealed still looking good and holding up?!

[@usskullhunter]

Hey! So no one wants to hear this but yes, they seem to be doing just fine :)

[@kityriimera4287]

U.S. Skull Hunter Hey! Don’t say that! I’m ecstatic to know they don’t crumble after a month! Thank you for updating us!

[@dirtypurv]

Can you redo a crystallized skull and increase the size of the Crystal's? The reason I ask is that the Crystal's from the blog recommended dosage seems to give small crystals but they look clearer so I'm thinking if I redo it will it give me large clear crystals?

[@usskullhunter]

Hey Terry! So if you resubmerge the skull the current crystals will simply dissolve unfortunately.

[@crowthefunkyartist9988]

How do I convince my mom that the borax solution won’t doo ok anything to the counter? She’s paranoid and I really wanna crystallize a vertebrae I found

[@usskullhunter]

Haha well tell her that it is actually used for cleaning so if you get any in the kitchen all you have to do is use a wet washcloth and you will leave it cleaner than when you started!

[@brandyharris3646]

Just curious will the borax automatically start growing on the skull or do you have to put something on the skull for it to grow on to? I've noticed everyone growing borax crystals on to pipe cleaners.

[@usskullhunter]

The borax will grow on the skull without the need for pipe cleaners. If a skull is particularly smooth you can always rough it up a bit with sandpaper to help aid in the crystals attaching to the bone.

[@aidanbee844]

Can you use replica or resin skulls or would the water be too hot and melt a replica?

[@usskullhunter]

yes for sure. You can always let the solution cool before you put the skull in. You are not getting the water extremely hot, just enough to dissolve the borax.

[@AlticRainn]

Hey can you use plastic cups??

[@usskullhunter]

Well the issue is that the solution will be too hot for plastic containers.

[@atashaslagel9939]

How well does it grow in plastic containers?

[@usskullhunter]

It seems to work about the same as glass/tin.

[@pandainink]

Is this doable on the antlers too? I searched and don’t see any ...

[@usskullhunter]

Yes, I would maybe just rough up the surface a bit with sandpaper so it adheres better.

[@tanningandtarot]

H3ck yeah! I was riding my horse & found a cow skull. I can’t wait to try this

[@jacekelly3081]

How do you color the crystals?

[@usskullhunter]

Just adding simple food coloring works fine.

[@Pentapus1024]

Interesting choice of music there 😝

[@JojonathanOliveira]

How did you color the crystals?

[@usskullhunter]

Simply adding food/clothing dye works

[@RobertPegg-q9z]

Thanks!

[@usskullhunter]

You bet!

[@PriestessAusetRaAmen]

Very interesting.

[@kidsstorytimewithhunter]

Thanks for commenting! Hope you enjoyed it :)

[@ryanblack9982]

were and what skull is it

[@kidsstorytimewithhunter]

I used both chicken and squirrel skulls in this video.

[@ehrytgsfth]

Good video and really helpfull!

[@usskullhunter]

Thanks!

[@PausePatrol]

Very cool anchor madh 🔫. I saw something disturbing with a little Latina descendant. She was on a small push bike and she was so delicate and graceful that I thought she had been marinating in aweso sauce y cheeses, jack. 😅 what’s up with smokers and the obsession to art? Trust me, I’m not that cool. 🎉 see that’s art

[@brownbear728]

Is your tap water soft or hard?

[@usskullhunter]

Well, It's city water so probably more on the soft side.

[@asholesmith2014]

I LOVE the bird skulls!!!!

[@usskullhunter]

Yes I agree :)

[@littlepinkpebble]

so cool will try one day

[@candyh7094]

When buying PYREX make sure letters are all CAPS otherwise Pyrex with lower case is just fake pyrex and breaks easier.

[@usskullhunter]

Interesting. Thanks for that!

[@andrewschmitz2803]

You would get way better results with distilled water

[@EASYPEASYDIYFORKIDS]

That's nice

[@ExpertOfFX]

The skull thang,,,MORBID! the rest interesting!

[@yolandajustme9122]

amazing. Thanks. You have a beautiful little girl btw.

[@usskullhunter]

Thanks for watching! Thanks :) she is pretty awesome :)

[@johnnytooby9980]

Wasn't Pyrex then...

[@usskullhunter]

True

[@thefkingmadhatter169]

Forbidden candy 👁👄👁

[@Azrael_16_09]

So uh- borax is illegal in my country and hey as much as I would like to maybe break a law I need another solution for now-

[@alymetz2020]

What country do you live in??

[@Azrael_16_09]

AlyMetz Singapore

[@usskullhunter]

Well that is no fun!

[@claytonburns3349]

DO YOU BELIEVE IN EVOLUTION? Then here is an important question for you. Before we get to the question, let’s look at two important definitions. 1. According to Science Daily, the Scientific Method is based on “the collection of data through observation and experimentation...” 2. Darwinian evolution is based on a change from one “kind” (or as Charles Darwin called it, “family”) to another. For example, there is a feline kind (cats and tigers), canine kind (wolves and dogs), humankind (human beings), etc. So here’s the question: Can you name any observable evidence for Darwinian evolution that meets the requirement of the Scientific Method? Something that can be observed directly here and now, that doesn't require some element of blind faith? Perhaps you are thinking of “Darwin’s finches,” with different size beaks that developed over time. But that’s not molecules-to-man evolution; that’s simply what’s called natural selection, or adaptation, as different species of finches developed- depending on which combination of existing genetic information was most suitable in particular environments. Such adaptation happens everywhere in nature, but it’s always within the limits set by the genetic code, based on the information it already contains. Darwin’s finches remain as finches; there’s been no change of kind. Perhaps you would point to antibiotic resistance in bacteria as evidence of evolutionary changes. But such changes typically are the result of genetic loss, not the gain that is needed for the evolutionary process. Whether in birds or bacteria, or any other life form, there’s no instance of brand new genetic information being added into the genetic code, which is required for molecules-to-man evolution to occur. Then there are fossils. You may line them up according to similarities and claim that they prove common descent, but that interpretation falls outside the realm of observational science. Because you cannot directly “observe” something that happened in the past, it requires a measure of faith. Darwinian evolution doesn't pass the test for the Scientific Method-it is unobservable. Darwinian evolution is therefore not scientific. If you find that hard to believe, go to EvolutionVsGod.com and watch evolutionary scientists at USC and UCLA as they were unable to provide answers to this same question. Their evolutionary belief ultimately rests on nothing but blind faith. It can’t be confirmed by observational science. Despite knowing this, many still cling to the idea of evolution-for reasons which we will look at shortly. The biblical creation model, on the other hand, can be confirmed by observational science. You can observe every animal bringing forth after its own kind (as it says in the book of Genesis). Despite the tremendous variety God programmed into their DNA, enabling creatures to become adapted to their environments, dogs remain dogs, cats remain cats, etc. Nothing changes kinds throughout the 1.4 million different species of animals, birds, insects, and fish. That is observable both in the fossil record and in the living world today. Certain similarities we observe in fossils of different kinds are actually evidence of a common Creator, who made the world and everything in it, just as the book of Genesis says. The purpose of telling you these things is to bring up two important points: First, if naturalistic evolution is true and there’s no God, then we are all just animals with no moral responsibility. There’s no ultimate morality other than what society says is right and wrong. That means pornography is okay, as are fornication, lust, adultery, and homosexual behavior. Anything goes-as long as society okays it. That’s good news for red-blooded human beings with raging hormones. This is really a strong incentive for clinging to belief in evolution, wanting it to be true. Second, and more importantly, if molecules-to-man evolution is false and the Bible is right about our Creator, then we aren't just animals with primal instincts. We are human beings, made in the image of God, with a unique sense of justice and a God-given knowledge of right and wrong (Romans 2:15). If the Bible is right, then Heaven and Hell exist . . . and it’s possible to experience the free gift of everlasting life with our Creator. Deep down, we all know intuitively that God exists, because it’s scientifically impossible for the universe to create itself and because God has made His existence known to us (Romans 1:19,20). If we want to live forever with our amazing Creator (and who in his right mind doesn't?), we have to somehow connect with Him-the Source of all life. The problem is that we are separated from Him by our sins. Let’s see if we have sinned, by looking briefly at the Ten Commandments (God’s moral Law). Have you ever told a lie, stolen anything, or used God’s name in vain? Jesus said, “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” If you have done these things, God sees you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart, and the Bible warns that one day God will punish you in a terrible place called Hell. But God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). God, who is “rich in mercy,” sent His Son, Jesus, to suffer and die on the cross in the place of guilty sinners. Sinners broke God’s Law, but Jesus paid their fine. That means God can legally commute our death sentence: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Then Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death. Today, repent and place your trust in Jesus, and God will grant you eternal life. Then read the Bible daily and obey it. God will never fail you. For principles of Christian growth, see “Save Yourself Some Pain” on LivingWaters.com.

[@marielnichole7103]

Helpful tips! I am trying to grow them on bigger skulls and can’t seem to get the amount of crystals I want. Do you know why?

[@thisisanaussiegal3590]

What do you seal your crystals with so they don't melt? I'm thinking a polyurathane clear varnish - what would you recommend?

[@usskullhunter]

Hey! Yes, just a poly clear coat will work just fine.

[@thisisanaussiegal3590]

@@usskullhunter I did a poly spray coat and then a bench top clear to make sure. THANKS

[@usskullhunter]

@@thisisanaussiegal3590 Great!