How to Make Crystals with Epsom Salt

Make your own Epsom salt crystals at home.
••• salt image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com

Here's a fun experiment you can do with simple ingredients from the grocery store. You'll need an adult to help, but the fun is all yours. And you'll learn some new things about evaporation, crystal formation, and the properties of minerals.

Making the Crystals

    Put the water in the pot and bring to a bowl. 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.

    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.

    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.

    Things You'll Need

    • 1/4 cup Epsom salts (available at grocery store)
    • 1/2 cup Water
    • Food coloring
    • Sponge
    • Small bowl to hold sponge

    Tips

    • Note to parents: Epsom salts are non-toxic but they do have a laxative effect. Explain to your child that he or she should not eat them. Call your doctor if your child ingests a large amount.

    Warnings

    • Parental supervision is needed when using the stove and working with boiling water.

Related Articles

Science and Sponge Activities
How to Grow Salt Crystals
How to Grow Mineral Crystals
Test Your Knowledge on Middle School Science
How to Make Salt Crystals at Home
How to Mix Calcium Chloride and Water
How to Prepare Supersaturated Salt Water Solutions
How to Make Ice Crystals
How to Make Crystals Grow Faster
How to Convert Salt Water into Freshwater (Drinking...
How to Separate Copper Sulfate & Sand
How to Make Crystals Using Borax
How to Make Potions for Kids
How Does a Sugar Crystal Grow?
How to Make a Five Percent Solution With Salt
Making Crystals at Home for Science Projects
How to Make a Tornado in a Bottle Using Dishwashing...
How to Make Homemade Glow Sticks
How to Make Rubber With Corn Starch, Water and Vinegar
How to Extract Iodine From Potassium Iodide