mineral

Halite

Halite (Sodium Chloride, NaCl)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless or white, but can be brownish, peach, or blue due to impurities; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.16

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the evaporation of saline water (seawater or lake water) in sedimentary basins, forming beds that can be hundreds of feet thick. Common in evaporite deposits dating from various geological periods, particularly the Permian and Triassic.

Uses & applications

Primary source of table salt; used in chemical industry for chlorine and sodium hydroxide production; used for de-icing roads; food preservation; and historical currency.

Geological facts

Also known as rock salt. It is essential for human life. Some salt mines, like the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland, contain entire cathedrals carved out of the mineral. It is highly soluble in water.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its cubic crystal form, perfect 90-degree cleavage, and distinctive salty taste (though caution is advised with unknown minerals). Commonly found in dry lake beds, salt flats (like Bonneville or Uyuni), and underground salt domes.