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How to Make Really Big Epsom Salt Crystals

We’re slowly working our way through all the classic science experiments for kids. Epsom salt crystals are a favorite version of crystal experiments that everyone should try at least once! Use this tutorial to learn how to make Epsom salt crystals.

It’s possible to make really big Epsom salt crystals if you create a highly supersaturated solution and cool it quickly, plus leave it for a long time. Saturation, temperature, and time are the secrets to making huge Epsom salt crystal gardens!

How to make really big Epsom salt crystals! Just 2 ingredients! This super easy and fast crystal science experiment is always a crowd-pleaser!

Keep reading to learn how to make your own Epsom salt crystal garden.

How to Make Epsom Salt Crystals

Follow along with these step-by-step directions for making crystals from Epsom salt!

Epsom Salt Crystals Facts

Epsom salt is another name for magnesium sulfate.

The natural form of Epsom salt (MgSO4) is a mineral called epsomite. 

Epsom salt is also found on other planets like Mars and Ceres.

The hotter water is, the more magnesium sulfate can bind with the water molecules because everything is moving around fast.

When you heat water and stir in Epsom salt, the water absorbs the magnesium sulfate.

However, when the mixture is refrigerated, the magnesium sulfate atoms pull away from the water and form a crystal structure because the water can no longer hold all of the Epsom salt.

Why does Epsom salt make crystal spikes?

As the water cools, the water can’t hold as much salt. So it releases it, and because there is a seed crystal in the container, the Epsom salt crystals form around that.

crystal stem worksheet

Epsom salt forms a cylindrical, spiky shape due to it’s molecular structure.

It looks like this:

The natural form of Epsom salt (MgSO4) is a mineral called epsomite.

How long do Epsom salt crystals last?

An Epsom salt crystal can last a long time if left undisturbed. However, they are super fragile, so they are likely to break easily and can crumble.

If an Epsom salt crystal gets wet, it will dissolve.

If you store Epsom salt crystals in a dry, safe spot, they can last for years!

Epsom salt crystals are a classic experiment everyone should try at least once! Use this tutorial to learn how to make epsom salt crystals.

Find more classic science fair projects here.

You’ll also want to check out the ultimate list of summer STEM activities and the ultimate list of summer science experiments. 

This post is part of the 31 days of creative STEM activities for kids series.

Epsom Salt Crystals Supplies

Shop the Amazon affiliate links below for supplies you may not have for your crystal science experiment.

  • Epsom salt
  • Food coloring
  • Something for the crystals to “stick” to (another Epsom salt chunk will work fine)
  • Container for the Epsom salt crystals

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Easy Alum Crystals

Epsom Salt Science Experiment Directions

Follow along with these easy directions to learn how to make Epsom salt crystals! Kids will love this super fun, super easy science activity.

epsom salt crystal liquid

Stir about 1/2 a cup of Epsom salt into 1/2 a cup of hot tap water (but not boiling).

Tap water is better than filtered water for this project because more impurities make better crystals. Not all of the Epsom salt will absorb, but most will.

epsom salt crystals in a jar

Add some food coloring and a few pieces of impurities (you don’t have to use toast crumbs) and pour it into your container.

Stick the mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes to rapidly cool, then stick it in the refrigerator overnight.

Epsom Salt Crystal Results

The next morning, you should see that crystals have formed (if they didn’t, your mixture didn’t have enough impurities or you didn’t mix enough Epsom salt into the liquid).

Looking for easy science experiments for kids? These Epsom salt crystals are so easy to make and kids love inspecting the salt crystals.

Pour off the extra water to examine your crystals. If you leave them in the liquid long, they will start to melt.

broken epsom salt crystals

Our Epsom salt crystals started to melt about 5 minutes after we removed them from the refrigerator even though we did pour the extra liquid off. Perhaps we didn’t have quite enough Epsom salt in the mixture?

crystal science worksheet

To make this more like a real experiment rather than a demonstration, you could try mixing several batches of salt with different quantities of salt.

Or try seeing if crystals form better in the refrigerator, freezer (but not long enough for the water to freeze), or at room temperature.

Share this project with a friend!