Crystal Birth from Emanuele Fornasier on Vimeo.

Crystals are an important part of our daily lives. These structures are found in the salt that we have at our tables, the snowflakes that we try to catch with our tongues, and the diamonds that gleam in the windows of jewelry stores.

But how, exactly, are crystals formed? This timelapse video, directed by Italian student, Emanuele Fornasier, doesn’t just tell us, it shows us. Inside the world of microscopic chemical reactions that are produced during electrocrystallization, we come face to face with the absolute beauty of nature.

After watching this video, you’ll never look at your table salt the same way.

Every day we track down a Video Wonder: an audiovisual offering that delights, inspires, and entertains. Have you encountered a video we should feature? Email ella@atlasobscura.com.