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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.

Rocks & Minerals