sedimentary

Dead Sea Salt Crust

Halite (NaCl)

Hardness: 2-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Beige to amber/orange due to mineral impurities; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Solubility: Highly soluble in water.

Hardness: 2-2
Color: Beige to amber/orange due to mineral impurities
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 17, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through evaporative precipitation in hypersaline environments such as the Dead Sea. As water evaporates, the concentration of salt increases until it precipitates out of solution as solid crystals.

Uses & applications

Used in cosmetics, bath salts, therapeutic treatments, and as a souvenir for tourists. Industrial uses include chemical manufacturing and water softening.

Geological facts

The Dead Sea is one of the world's saltiest bodies of water, with a salinity of about 34%. These salt crystals often form 'salt pearls' or crusts on rocks and the shoreline.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its cubic crystal habit (though often rounded by water), salty taste (though tasting samples in the wild is discouraged), and solubility. Commonly found along the shores of the Dead Sea in Israel and Jordan.