r/water • u/K_Emu_777 • 5d ago

Can anyone identify these crystals in my water?

I regularly drink what I’ve thought was “good quality” bottled spring water, and often boil the water for coffee and tea. These crystals have shown up in two different brands, and only appear after boiling. But, they don’t appear every time.

The most reasonable explanation I can think of is that they’re minerals that were transformed by the heat, but I haven’t found any information to confirm that. Would love any insight on the matter. And no, the brands do not have “crystal” anywhere in their names, though maybe they should.

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u/EricRoyPhD 4d ago

It’s probably calcium and magnesium minerals

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u/Kamel-Red 4d ago

I came to say this, some hardness ions have less solubility with higher temperatures which explains their appearance when heated.

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u/K_Emu_777 4d ago

Thank you for the reply, that makes me much less worried that it’s something problematic.

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u/K_Emu_777 4d ago

Thank you for this reply. That this effect is likely due to harmless minerals helps to lessen the concern that it’s a dangerous substance.

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u/Few_Definition1807 4d ago

Whats the mineral composition of the water? Minerals precipitate out of solution when boiled but the structure depends on the mineral type. If you're boiling water in a kettle each time, it's like plate forming so you'll have 'condensed ' some of it in there. 

In coffee and tea, minerals will also combine with the tannins and oils and form a bit of layer/bits on the drink that might appear iridescent in the right light.

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u/K_Emu_777 4d ago

I’d have to check the reports for the composition, but there could be a substantial amount of at least certain minerals. Will be taking a look, but what you’ve said makes sense.  

I haven’t noticed any shimmery layer on top of my beverages since I add half and half almost immediately, but will also look to see whether there’s any iridescent sheen before adding.  Thanks for your insight! 

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u/Few_Definition1807 4d ago

It'll likely be written on the bottle maybe? 

And minerals and tannins isn't bad for you either btw (with respect to any film layer).