sedimentary

Halite (Rock Salt) Crust

Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

Hardness: 2.5 on Mohs scale. Color: White, clear, grayish to pale beige. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic (often crystalline encrustations). Cleavage: Perfect cubic {100}. Specific Gravity: 2.17.

Hardness: 2
Color: White, clear, grayish to pale beige
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified July 25, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the chemical evaporation of saline lakes, playa basins, or restricted marine seas (evaporite deposits), where sodium and chloride ions precipitate out of solution as water evaporates.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as road salt for de-icing, human and animal nutrition, chemical manufacturing (chlorine and caustic soda production), water softening, and salt lamps/decorations.

Geological facts

Halite is soft enough to scratch with a fingernail and easily dissolves in water. Its most distinct feature is its salty taste, though tasting unknown field specimens is generally not recommended.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its cubic cleavage, low hardness, solubility in water, and salty taste. Found abundantly around saline playa lakes like the Dead Sea, Great Salt Lake, and ancient evaporite basin deposits globally.