How To Make Crystals Out Of Salt

A crystal is a substance that is made of molecules that are arranged in a repeating, three dimensional, regular pattern. Two examples of common crystals that can be found right in your kitchen are sugar and salt. Put these under a magnifying glass and they will look like small cubes. If you or your child would like to examine crystals further or are interested in a science fair project you can easily grow your own crystals.

Step 1

Bring water to a boil and remove from heat. You can use any amount of water but one cup works well.

Step 2

Add one teaspoon of salt to the water and stir until dissolved. Continue this process until the salt no longer dissolves; the solution is then saturated. At this point you will notice salt on the bottom of the pan.

Step 3

Pour the salt water solution into a clean glass jar.

Step 4

Tie a string onto the middle of a pencil leaving one end of the string slightly shorter than the depth of the jar.

Step 5

Place the pencil across the top of the jar with the length of string hanging in the center of the jar.

Step 6

Put the jar in a cool dry place and leave it undisturbed until the water evaporates. This will take approximately one week.

Step 7

Gently pull the string out of the jar. There will be salt crystals on the string. There may also be salt crystals on the sides of the jar.