Salt

Salt is a dietary mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride that is essential for animal life, but toxic to most land plants. Salt flavor is one of the basic tastes, and salt is the most popular food spice.[citation needed] Salt is also an important preservative.

Salt for human consumption is produced in different forms: unrefined salt (such as sea salt), refined salt (table salt), and iodized salt. It is a crystalline solid, white, pale pink or light gray in color, normally obtained from sea water or rock deposits. Edible rock salts may be slightly grayish in color because of this mineral content.

Chloride and sodium ions, the two major components of salt, are necessary for the survival of all known living creatures, including humans. Salt is involved in regulating the water content (fluid balance) of the body. Salt cravings may be caused by trace mineral deficiencies as well as by a deficiency of sodium chloride itself. Conversely, overconsumption of salt increases the risk of health problems, including high blood pressure.

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How to Make a Salt Crystal Sculpture

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup of table salt
• 1 cup of water
• Cotton string (about 3 feet)
• 1 heat resistant glass jar
• Large saucepan
• Food coloring (optional)

How to Make a Salt Crystal Sculpture

Step1
Take a long piece of string and cut it into seven or eight pieces, each about 5 inches long.
Step2
Tie all of the strings together, forming a star or "spider" shape.
Step3
Boil the water in a saucepan and slowly add the salt. Let the salt completely dissolve. You'll know you've added enough salt when a few crystals either sit at the bottom or a thin film begins to form on top. Add any food coloring now if you desire.
Step4
Pour the water into your glass jar.
Step5
Place the knot of strings into the water. Allow the ends of the strings to hang over the edge of the jar. Make sure the strings are equal distances apart and secure them in place so that they do not fall into the water.
Step6
Set the container aside where it won't be disturbed. You might want to set it on newspaper or on a plate because the strings may drip.
Step7
Wait a few days and your crystal sculpture will form on the strings. Try not to disturb the jar at all during this time since the crystals will be very fragile.

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