mineral
Halite
Halite (Sodium Chloride, NaCl)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless or white, but can be brownish, peach, or blue due to impurities; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.16
- Hardness
- 2
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless or white, but can be brownish, peach, or blue due to impurities; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.16
Formation & geological history
Formed through the evaporation of saline water (seawater or lake water) in sedimentary basins, forming beds that can be hundreds of feet thick. Common in evaporite deposits dating from various geological periods, particularly the Permian and Triassic.
Uses & applications
Primary source of table salt; used in chemical industry for chlorine and sodium hydroxide production; used for de-icing roads; food preservation; and historical currency.
Geological facts
Also known as rock salt. It is essential for human life. Some salt mines, like the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland, contain entire cathedrals carved out of the mineral. It is highly soluble in water.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its cubic crystal form, perfect 90-degree cleavage, and distinctive salty taste (though caution is advised with unknown minerals). Commonly found in dry lake beds, salt flats (like Bonneville or Uyuni), and underground salt domes.
