JD, What you need is a lead thermometer.I got mine here, goes to 1000 deg.
Thermometer

The first time you heat the crystals a black material will rise to the surface, but as full temp. is reached all will blend together and become transparent.
Be sure to wear gloves and face protection. Anything that gets in the salts, like a drop of moisture or a bug, will cause the salts to spatter out of the pot! Be careful!
HTH, Robert

Last edited by HIGH$TRAP; 07/18/11 09:36 PM.

The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.
-John Muir