mineral

Rock Salt (Halite)

Halite (Sodium Chloride, NaCl)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white, can be gray or brown from impurities; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.16

Hardness: 2
Color: Colorless to white, can be gray or brown from impurities
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified May 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white, can be gray or brown from impurities; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.16

Formation & geological history

Formed by the evaporation of saline water (seawater or salt lakes) in arid environments, creating thick sedimentary evaporite deposits. Most major deposits date from the Permian or Triassic periods.

Uses & applications

Used for road de-icing, the chemical industry (sodium and chlorine production), food seasoning/preservation, and occasionally as decorative stone lamps.

Geological facts

Halite is highly soluble in water and can form 'salt glaciers' in specific dry climates. It is the mineral form of common table salt.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its salty taste (though not recommended for unknown minerals), cubic cleavage, and low hardness. Often found in salt flats or underground salt domes and mines.