How to Make Salt Crystal Shapes

Epsom Salt Crystal Shapes

• 1

  Boil 1/2 cup water in a pan. Remove the pan from heat once the water reaches a full boil. Add salt and stir. You can use any kind of salt. Epsom salts make larger crystals. To make colored crystals, add a drop of food coloring and stir.

• 2

  Cut a sponge into a circle or other shape. Center the sponge in a shallow dish, such as a clear bread pan. Pour the salt mixture over the sponge.

• 3

  Set the container in a sunny location. Choose a place where it won't be at risk of falling on anyone.

• 4

  Observe the salt crystals forming on the sponge as the water evaporates out of the container.

Salt Sculpture

• 5

  Cut the string into six equal piece. Tie a knot in one end of each string. Any kind of knot will work.

• 6

  Measure 1 cup of water into a pan. Bring the water to a full boil and leave on the burner. Pour the salt into the water while stirring the water. Add one or two drops of food coloring if you want to make colored crystals. Turn off the heat.

• 7

  Place a heat-resistant container on a folded page of newspaper. Pour the salt solution into the container.

• 8

  Hang the strings over the edge over the edge of the container with the knots submerged in the salt solution. Separate the strings so they're divided, and not touching, hanging over the outside edge of the container.

• 9

  Keep the container in a warm place where it won't be moved. Keep some newspaper under the container. Leave it alone and wait for the crystals to form. In two or three days, depending on the temperature and humidity of the room, the strings start growing crystallized salt.

• 10

  Add more salt solution when the original salt solution evaporates below the knots. The strings will grow salt stalagmites -- similar to the formations that hang from cave roofs.