mineral
Pink halite (rock salt)
Halite, sodium chloride (NaCl)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale pink, translucent crystals with a vitreous-to-greasy luster and cubic cleavage; Mohs hardness 2–2.5, cubic crystal structure, specific gravity about 2.16. The color commonly comes from trace impurities or inclusions; appearance in the photo alone cannot confirm the identification.
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Physical properties
Pale pink, translucent crystals with a vitreous-to-greasy luster and cubic cleavage; Mohs hardness 2–2.5, cubic crystal structure, specific gravity about 2.16. The color commonly comes from trace impurities or inclusions; appearance in the photo alone cannot confirm the identification.
Formation & geological history
Forms when saline water evaporates in restricted basins, often in sedimentary evaporite deposits. Such deposits formed throughout geologic time; the specimen’s age and locality cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Halite is used for food seasoning, chemical production, and road de-icing; attractive crystals are collected as mineral specimens.
Geological facts
Halite dissolves readily in water and has three directions of perfect cleavage at right angles, producing cubic fragments.
Field identification & locations
The blocky, stepped cleavage and pink tint are consistent with halite; it is common in evaporite deposits worldwide, including salt basins in the United States, Pakistan, and Poland. Avoid wet handling, since it dissolves and can become damaged.
