What is the difference between rock salt and Epsom salt?

Answer by  marcia (228)

Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, and rock salt is made of sodium chloride. The two are different compounds altogether and epsom salt is usually prescribed as a remedy for constipation.

Answer by  Lenore (237)

Rock salt (or Halite) is simply the mineral form of table salt, NaCl, before the impurities are removed. Epsom salt is a compound also known as Magnesium Sulfate. Epsom salt looks like rock salt, but it's a different substance altogether. You shouldn't eat either one.

Answer by  Solomon (91)

Rock salt is less processed, meaning larger crystals an longer time to dissolve. It is used in making Ice cream. Epsom salts are often used as bath salts and in the process of making tofu. rock salt is what is closer to table salt as it is sodium chloride whereas Epsom salts contain sulfur and magnesium.

Answer by  KLA (19)

Rock salt is the mineral sodium chloride, commonly used in making ice cream as it lowers the freezing point allowing the ice cream to become even colder. Refined rock salt is what we know as table salt. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. It is often added to warm bathwater to soothe sore muscles, exfoliate skin and draw out impurities.

Answer by  crabfoot (253)

Rock salt is coarse common salt, sodium chloride. Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate. They both come from crystal deposits in the ground, but they are chemically different. Rock salt is the source of table salt. Epsom salt is used medicinally to "keep your insides clean".