mineral

Pink halite (rock salt)

Halite, sodium chloride (NaCl)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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.

Identified September 24, 2026More mineral →

Explore Pink halite (rock salt) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

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.