Polarized Microscopy of Epsom Salt

This post marks my first attempt at experimenting with polarized microscopy, and I was genuinely unprepared for how striking the results would be. Using something as familiar and inexpensive as Epsom salt, I watched ordinary crystal growth transform into vivid, almost otherworldly landscapes once viewed under polarized light. The microscope revealed an incredible range of colors and geometric forms, turning a simple experiment into a surprisingly immersive visual experience.

What fascinated me most was how dramatically the crystals changed depending on how quickly they formed on the glass microscope slides. Subtle differences in evaporation and growth speed produced wildly different patterns—some delicate and feathery, others bold and angular, each with its own palette of color. These images capture a small exploration into how dynamic crystal formation can be, and how much beauty can emerge from materials we often take for granted.