How to Grow Salt Crystals

Salt crystals are formed by salt water compounds. Salt is a mineral used in the diet and its chemical composition is made of Sodium Chloride. Salt is an essential form of our diet as it not only provides the body with the sodium, but it also provides our food with the necessary seasoning needed for the sense of taste. However, salt can also be used as a decorative medium, in the form of salt crystals. They have a very delicate disposition so they have to be handled with care, if not they will break. Now if you are interesting in making salt crystals because of an assignment, a family past-time, or just a hobby, here is how it is made and the tools needed.

Material needed

• Salt
• Water
• Food coloring (optional)
• Table salt/Epsom salt
• Petroleum jelly (optional)
• Paper towel

Tools needed

• Pot for boiling the water
• A clear glass jar
• Paper clips
• Pencil/pop stick
• String

Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot and then pour it in the clear glass jar.
2. Begin to pour the salt in the hot water, one tablespoon at a time, and stir. Reheat the water if it becomes lukewarm before you finish adding all the required salt, as the liquid need to be extremely hot for the crystals to form effectively.
3. If you decide to use the food coloring, add this to the salt mixture at this point. If not go to the next step.
4. Tie the string to the center of the pencil or pop stick, and then tie the other end to the paper clip.
5. Place the pencil on top of the jar and let the string that is attached to the pencil dangle into the water. The end of the string with the paper clip must be closed to the bottom of the jar but not touching the base.
6. Cover the jar with the paper towel to keep out dusk and insect and set the jar in a location where it is undisturbed.
7. Leave in this undisturbed location for at least a week or until the desired salt crystals have been formed.

Warnings and Tips

• Stirring the salt in the hot water is an important step for making the salt crystals grow successful, so do not pour all the salt at once. Stir a spoonful at a time until the water becomes saturated with the salt.
• To know if the water has the right amount of salt needed, all you have to do is look at the side of the glass and if you see a build-up of salt. This is why it is best to use a clear glass jar.
• Use the petroleum jelly to base the sections of the glass jar where you do not want the crystals to form.
• If the jar is left uncovered, insects and or dusk will enter and contaminate your project.