Magic Crystals
Materials
- Small glass container or bowl
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- 1 cup Epsom Salts
- 1 cup Hot water
- Food coloring
Instructions
- Start out by pouring the Epsom Salts in the mixing bowl, then add the hot water (make sure it's steaming hot right out of the tap) and a drop or two of food coloring (optional) to the bowl.
- Now stir the mixture with your fork. Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes. Stir. Stir. Stir. Are you stirring? Continue to stir until most of the salt granules have dissolved.
- Pour the salt and water mixture into your glass container and place the container in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes. Don't worry, the water mixture isn't hot enough to cause the glass to break when you place it in the freezer.
- Then move the container to the fridge (top shelf preferred) and let it sit overnight.
Notes
- Dissolving Epsom Salts: Ensure the Epsom salts are fully dissolved in the hot water before transferring the mixture to the glass container. This ensures the crystals form evenly and prevents any gritty texture in the final product. Stirring vigorously for a few minutes helps dissolve the salts effectively.
- Food Coloring: While optional, food coloring adds visual appeal to the magic crystals. Use a drop or two of food coloring to tint the crystals to your desired hue. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed to achieve the desired color intensity. Be cautious not to add too much food coloring, as it may oversaturate the solution and affect the crystal formation.
- Patience with Crystallization: After transferring the salt and water mixture to the glass container, patience is key. Allow the container to sit undisturbed in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to kick-start the crystallization process. Then, refrigerate the container overnight to allow the crystals to grow and develop fully. Avoid moving or disturbing the container during this time to ensure well-formed crystals.