2007-06-06 15:12:49 · 4 answers · asked by Daniel M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Epsom salts do not have the proper amounts of sodium and chlorine to make the crystals. Epsom salts have more sodium than chlorine to bond with on an elemental level. The sodium count is too high to actually bond with the chlorine. While yes there are no visible crystals there are crystals formed on a sub-atomic level.
2007-06-06 15:18:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate hepta-hydrate. It should have a rhombohedral or nonoclinic crystal structure, but the references I consulted mentioned that it loses and gains some of its water of hydration easily at ambient temperature and humidity levels. This may be why you aren't getting crystals. The crystal form might be de-stabilized by this constant change in hydration.Its only a guess. I hope this is of some use to you,
2007-06-06 22:37:00 · answer #2 · answered by Flying Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, salt is a crystal and will grow crystals because it's a mineral.
2007-06-06 22:16:06 · answer #3 · answered by Ciel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's Epsom salt, and probably it's difficult to grow its crystals, at least at ambient humidity, because it's highly hygroscopic, absorbs water easily and deliquesces (becomes liquid, solution).
more on this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_sulfate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygroscopy
2007-06-06 22:33:38 · answer #4 · answered by ava 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋