**Magnesium sulfate (or magnesium sulphate) is a chemical compound
containing magnesium, sulfur  and oxygen, with the formula MgSO4. In its
hydrated form, the pH is 6.0 (5.5 to 6.5). It is often encountered as
the heptahydrate, MgSO4·7H2O, commonly called Epsom salt. Anhydrous
magnesium sulfate is used as a drying agent. Since the anhydrous form is
hygroscopic (readily absorbs water from the air) and is therefore
difficult to weigh accurately, the hydrate  is often preferred when
preparing solutions, for example in medical preparations. Epsom salt has
been traditionally used as a component of bath salts.

This has to be the easiest to come by.  Has been used for a very long
time.  Maybe thousands.

Martin

marlo wrote:
> Can't recall if I thanked everyone for their comments in February on this
> subject.  Our discussion is captured for future reference at:
>
> http://z14.invisionfree.com/Conchologist_Forum/index.php?showtopic=1909
> Marlo
> merritt island, fl
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> [log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
> To leave this list, click on the following web link:
> http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
> Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
> click leave the list.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>

--
Martin H. Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
"Our Republic and the Press will Rise or Fall Together": Joseph Pulitzer
TSRA: Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Charter Founder
IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------