mineral
Halite
Halite (NaCl)
Hardness: 2-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to white; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.16.
- Hardness
- 2-2
- Color
- Clear to white
- Luster
- Vitreous
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 2-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to white; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.16.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the evaporation of saline water in sedimentary environments, specifically in dry lake beds or marine restricted basins.
Uses & applications
Major source of table salt, used in food preservation, chemical manufacturing, de-icing roads, and metallurgical processes.
Geological facts
Halite is the mineral name for common salt. Large underground deposits can form salt domes that trap oil and natural gas.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its cubic cleavage planes and distinct salty taste (though caution is advised when tasting field samples). Commonly found in salt flats and underground mines.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral
Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
mineral