mineral
Himalayan Salt Lamp
Halite (NaCl) with trace impurities
Hardness: 2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, orange, or reddish-white; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Soluble in water
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Pink, orange, or reddish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, orange, or reddish-white; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Soluble in water
Formation & geological history
Formed by the evaporation of ancient seawater in the Punjab region of Pakistan. These deposits date back roughly 250 to 500 million years to the Precambrian and Cambrian periods.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for decorative lighting, interior design, and as a mineral supplement (salt) for cooking or livestock.
Geological facts
The pink color is caused by trace amounts of minerals such as iron oxide (rust), magnesium, and potassium trapped within the sodium chloride crystals.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its translucent pinkish hue, salty taste, and tendency to 'sweat' or deliquesce in humid environments. Commonly found in the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan.
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Schist
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Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
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Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
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Mineral/Rock