How do Salt Lamps work?
(For the technical minded) Crystal salt is one of the few minerals whose atomic structure is bound electrically, not molecularly. This characteristic enables the crystal to change back and forth from a crystalline to a liquid state. The gentle heat of the lamp in the salt crystal creates a higher surface temperature than the surrounding air. The crystal surface attracts water molecules from the cooler surrounding air, which enables the electrically bound sodium chloride mineral to split into independent positive (sodium) and negative (chloride) ions. This natural ionization creates an electric charge, which is emitted in the air. After the water molecules evaporate again, the sodium and chloride ions turn back into their crystalline mineral form. This natural ionization process takes place millions of times, invisible to the eye and without any influence to the quality of the crystal.
