mineral
Halite (Rock Salt)
Halite (NaCl)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 2-2.5; Color: Colorless to white, yellow, or blue; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.16
- Hardness
- 2-2
- Color
- Colorless to white, yellow, or blue
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2-2.5; Color: Colorless to white, yellow, or blue; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.16
Formation & geological history
Formed by the evaporation of seawater or saline lake water (evaporites). It can be found in sedimentary beds dating back hundreds of millions of years, often in arid environments.
Uses & applications
Used as table salt, food preservative, in chemical manufacturing, and for de-icing roads. Collecting value is generally low for common specimens.
Geological facts
Halite is the mineral form of sodium chloride. It is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. Pure crystals are perfectly cubic, a direct reflection of their atomic structure.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its salty taste (though not recommended for unknown minerals), cubic cleavage, and solubility in water. Found in salt mines and dry lake beds globally.
