4 tbsp. water
4 lbs. liquid bluing
4 tbsp. ammonia
Lump of coal, Coke, brick or porous rock

Wet coal thoroughly and place in shallow glass bowl, no metal.

Pour mixture over coal, wetting thoroughly. Add a drop of color if you like or work out a scene by adding twigs, etc. Put a drop of bluing in corners for contrast. Then sprinkle 4 pounds salt over coal. In a few days crystals will start to form and grow. When it stops growing and begins to dry out, add 2 more tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of ammonia, but add them to the bowl, not the crystals.

Do this every 2 days until you get the size you want. Wipe rim to prevent growing on sides.