Epsom Salts browning when dehydrating - burning or normal?

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SUMMARY

Heating Epsom salts (MgSO4) at 450°F results in a transformation from white or clear crystals to a solid white powder, often caked together, with browning observed at the edges. This browning indicates potential overheating or the presence of impurities rather than damage to the MgSO4 itself. The discussion highlights that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to undesirable changes, including the release of impurities from the pan or the salts themselves.

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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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