How to Make a Block Salt Lamp

Salt lamps take advantage of a salt block’s natural translucent iridescence to create a soft-glowing light source that has purported health benefits, namely ion generation. Although the science behind such claims is nebulous at best, the salt lamp does emit a light that causes little, if any, eyestrain. This results from what the salt lamp actually does do. A low-watt bulb inserted in the lamp glows through the salt block, which acts as a filter. The chiseled angles of the salt block throw the light to various angles according to the cut, making each lamp different from others.

10-pound Himalayan salt block
Hammer and carving chisel
Lint-free cloth
Drill fitted with a 2-inch stone drill bit
Large-diameter wood lamp platform
Epoxy
75-watt candelabra bulb
Lamp cord and socket set
2 self-driving screws

Instructions

- 1
  Shape a 10-pound Himalayan salt block to the desired form using a hammer and carving chisel. Leave the side you will use as the bottom flat so it will sit flush.
- 2
  Rinse any residue from the salt block after chiseling and wipe the excess moisture with a lint-free cloth. Allow the salt block to air dry before continuing.
- 3
  Drill a 2-inch diameter hole in the bottom of the salt block with a drill fitted with a 2-inch stone drill bit. Extend the hole a minimum 6 inches into the salt block.
- 4
  Drill a 2-inch diameter hole in the wood platform.
- 5
  Secure the wood platform to the bottom of the salt block with epoxy. Make sure the hole in the platform lines up evenly with the drilled hole in the salt block. Allow the epoxy to cure per manufacturer’s instructions.
- 6
  Wire the lamp cord and socket set. Insert a 75-watt candelabra bulb in the socket of the lamp cord and socket set and test it.
- 7
  Secure the crossbar of the lamp cord and socket set to the wood platform with self-driving screws.

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