mineral
Himalayan Salt / Halite
Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
Hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, pink to orange color due to trace minerals like magnesium and potassium, vitreous to greasy luster, cubic crystal structure, perfect cubic cleavage, specific gravity of 2.16
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Physical properties
Hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, pink to orange color due to trace minerals like magnesium and potassium, vitreous to greasy luster, cubic crystal structure, perfect cubic cleavage, specific gravity of 2.16
Formation & geological history
Formed through the evaporation of ancient inland seas and marine bodies, typically originating hundreds of millions of years ago in sedimentary evaporite deposits
Uses & applications
Used in culinary applications, decorative salt lamps, bath salts, and wellness products
Geological facts
Despite being called Himalayan salt, it is actually mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in the Salt Range of Pakistan, about 300 km from the Himalayas
Field identification & locations
Easily identifiable by its distinctive pink color, cubic cleavage, salty taste, and softness (can be scratched with a fingernail)
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Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
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