How to Make Crystals with Epsom Salt

Making crystals with Epsom salt is a fun experiment you can do with simple ingredients from the grocery store. You'll learn new concepts about evaporation, crystal formation and the properties of minerals.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 cup Epsom salts (available at grocery store)
• 1/2 cup Water
• Pot to heat water in
• Food coloring
• Sponge
• Small bowl to hold sponge

Instructions

1. Put the water in the pot and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and place on a heat-safe surface. Add the Epsom salts and mix to dissolve thoroughly. Add a drop or two of food coloring.

2. Put the sponge in the small bowl. Pour the water and salt mixture over the sponge. Don't cover the sponge completely, or it will take a long time for the crystals to form.

3. Place the bowl on a sunny window sill, and wait for the water to evaporate. This may take several days. As the water evaporates, crystals will begin to form on the sponge.

Tips & Warnings

• Epsom salts are non-toxic, but they do have a laxative effect. Children should be told not to eat them. Call your doctor if your child ingests a large amount.

• Parental supervision is needed when using the stove and working with boiling water.