Epsom Salts browning when dehydrating - burning or normal?

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Heating Epsom salts (MgSO4) in the oven at 450°F transforms the crystals from white or clear to a solid white powder that can cake together, with some browning observed at the edges. This browning may indicate overheating or the presence of impurities, potentially affecting the integrity of the magnesium sulfate. The discussion raises concerns about whether prolonged exposure to high temperatures can damage the compound, suggesting that the changes in appearance could result from impurities or residues from the pan, such as oven cleaner or soap. The transformation points to the importance of careful temperature control and awareness of potential contaminants when creating desiccants from Epsom salts.
R_Rose
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I heated epsom salts in the oven at 450F to make some make-shift desiccants and it went from white (some even clearish) crystals to solid white powder (caked together) with the edges turning a light shade of brown and a deeper brown at the 4 corners of the pan.

Can this damage the MgSO4, is this impurities or what? Is it over-heating? Can it be left in the oven too long and damage the compound?
 
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R_Rose said:
clearish) crystals
The hydrate.
R_Rose said:
white powder (caked
Mostly anhydrous.
R_Rose said:
brown and a deeper brown
Little oven cleaner residue, soap residue, odd iron from the pan, other sources being cooked out (chromatographed) through your "column packing" in two dimensions, a layer in the pan.
 

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