mineral

Pink Himalayan Salt Rock (Halite)

Halite (Sodium Chloride, NaCl)

Hardness: 2-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, reddish, orange, or white; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.16.

Hardness: 2-2
Color: Pink, reddish, orange, or white
Luster: Vitreous/glassy

Identified June 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, reddish, orange, or white; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.16.

Formation & geological history

Formed by the evaporation of ancient inland sea beds (the Tethys Ocean) during the Precambrian to Permian periods, approximately 250 million years ago, subsequently buried and pressurized by tectonic mountain-building in the Himalayan region.

Uses & applications

Used for culinary salt, salt lamps, decorative displays, spa treatments, mineral blocks for livestock, and industrial sodium production.

Geological facts

This salt is mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, the second largest salt mine in the world. Its distinctive pink color comes from trace mineral impurities like iron oxide (rust) and magnesium.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its salty taste (though not recommended for unknown field specimens), cubic cleavage planes, and ability to dissolve in water. Commonly found in large salt domes and underground evaporite deposits.

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