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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.

Rocks & Minerals