mineral

Halite (Rock Salt)

Halite (Sodium Chloride, NaCl)

Hardness: 2-2.5 Mohs (soft); Color: Clear, white, pink, or orange depending on impurities; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal structure: Cubic (isometric system); Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific gravity: 2.16.

Hardness: 2-2
Color: Clear, white, pink, or orange depending on impurities
Luster: Vitreous/glassy

Identified March 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the evaporation of saline water (seawater or lake water) in sedimentary basins known as evaporite deposits. Most geologically significant deposits range from the Permian period to the present day.

Uses & applications

Primary source of table salt and road de-icing; used in the chemical industry for producing chlorine and sodium hydroxide, food preservation, and historically as a form of currency.

Geological facts

Halite is unique because it is one of the only minerals humans regularly consume. The pink/orange variety (like the specimen on the left) often gets its color from iron oxides or inclusions of bacteria/algae trapped during crystallization.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinctive cubic cleavage and salty taste (though tasting is generally discouraged for unknown minerals). It is highly soluble in water. Found in dry lake beds (playas) and deep underground salt domes.