Why do salt flakes start building up in a bottle of mineral water after it was first opened?

Why do salt flakes start building up in a bottle of mineral water after it was first opened? - Interior of bathroom with skincare supplies

I noticed that mineral water with high mineralization doesn't have salt flakes floating on the bottom of the bottle on store shelves, but when I open one, after some time they start accumulating. Does it have something to do with decarbonation?



Best Answer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solubility

Salt solubility decreases with decreasing pressure.




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What is this white stuff in my water bottle?

So, if you see white particles floating in your favorite bottle of all-natural Absopure spring water, don't be alarmed. The white flakes are actually naturally occurring calcium particles.

How bottled mineral water is made?

Mineral water is produced artificially by adding salts to distilled water or aerating it with carbon dioxide. The mineral content of both natural and artificial mineral water varies greatly, and in some cases it may be less than that of ordinary tap water.



The Truth About Himalayan Sea Salt | Joe Rogan




More answers regarding why do salt flakes start building up in a bottle of mineral water after it was first opened?

Answer 2

It could be gases (oxygen or carbon dioxide) from the air, competing as solvents with the salts. I know the reverse effect: adding salt tends to drive out gases.

I'm not sure whether this gas explanation is more significant than the pressure explanation. But, you could do an experiment: briefly let the pressure out and then retighten the cap without letting fresh air enter, and see if the crystals still form.

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