Things You'll Need
Instructions
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Stir the salt or sugar into the boiling water until it dissolves completely. Remove the solution from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Place the charcoal briquette in the bottom of the metal bowl or a glass jar. Pour the solution into the container, covering the briquette.
Lay the cheesecloth over the top of the container to prevent dust from settling on the solution. Set the container in an area where it won't be disturbed.
Inspect the container daily for crystal growth. As the solution evaporates, the crystals will begin forming on the surface of the briquette.
Remove the briquette and crystals from the container once all moisture has evaporated out of the container. Crystals break easily, so handle with care.