How to Make a Kosher Salt Crystal

Salt, or sodium chloride, is a chemical compound; it is also an ionic compound, which means it consists of two ions in a crystal structure. Salt companies frequently grow salt crystals in various sizes, depending on what their customers need. But you don't have to work for a salt company to grow salt crystals. With a few basic materials and a little patience, you can create salt crystals from kosher salt at home or in the classroom.

Things You'll Need

• Glass jar
• Water
• Kosher salt
• Pencil
• String

Instructions

1. Pour tap water into the glass jar until it is half full.

2. Pour a few tablespoons of kosher salt into your water and stir until dissolved. Add more salt and repeat until salt no longer dissolves. You may use up to 1/2 cup salt to get to this point.

3. Tie a string around the middle of the pencil and balance it over the mouth of the jar. Trim the string so that its end sits right above the water's surface.

4. Set the jar aside and allow the water to evaporate. As water evaporates, it will leave behind formations of kosher salt crystals.

References

• Salt Institute: About Salt
• Education Bug: Make Salt Crystals Science Project