General Information
Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate is commonly known
as Epsom Salt. The molecular formula of Epsom Salt isMgSO4. 7H2O. Epsom salt, named for a
bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, is not actually salt but a
naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. It is often called heptahydrate epsomite or soaking salt.
It is white in colour, salty in odour,,
efflorescent crystalline substance.Crystalline Epsom
loses water on heating forming anhydrous magnesium sulphate.
Occurrence
Magnesium sulphate occurs in nature as,
Kieserite MgSO4.H2O
Epsomite MgSO4.7H2O (in certain gypsum
deposits).
It
is also present in certain mineral springs.
Laboratory Preparation
In laboratory, magnesium sulphate is prepared by
dissolving magnesium, its oxide, hydroxide or carbonate in dilute sulphuric
acid and evaporating the resulting solution, when colorless efflorescent
crystals of the heptahydrate, MgSO4.7H2O,
crystallize out.
It is less soluble in cold water but soluble
on boiling.
Uses:
·
In medicine as mild
purgative.
·
In industry as a
weighing material for cotton and silk.
·
In fire-proofing
fabrics.
·
As a filler for paper.
·
As a mordant- in dyeing
and in tanning industry.
·
In the manufacture of
soaps and paints.
health benefits of using Epsom salt
01. Eases
stress and relaxes the body
02. Relieves
pain and muscle cramps
03. Helps
muscles and nerves function properly
04. Helps
prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots
05. Makes
insulin more effective
06. Relieves
constipation
07. Eliminates
toxins from the body
