Tag: Bath salts

Magnesium sulfate is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, highlighting its importance in healthcare [1.10.1]. So, **what is the common name for Magnesium sulfate?** This widely used mineral compound is most famously known as **Epsom salt** [1.2.1, 1.2.2].

Epsom salt, a naturally occurring mineral compound, is specifically the heptahydrate form of magnesium sulfate ($MgSO_4 · 7H_2O$), meaning it contains seven molecules of water in its crystalline structure. Understanding **what is the difference between Epsom salt and magnesium sulfate** lies in this distinction of water content, which affects their purity and use.