mineral

Pink halite (rock salt)

Halite, NaCl

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale pink to salmon, translucent, vitreous luster; cubic crystal structure and perfect cubic cleavage, though this broken piece shows irregular faces. Mohs hardness 2–2.5; specific gravity about 2.16. The identification is visual and not certain from the photo alone.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when saline water evaporates in restricted basins, commonly in sedimentary evaporite deposits. Such deposits range from ancient to geologically recent; the specimen’s age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as table and road salt and as an industrial feedstock; attractive pink pieces are sold as decorative or collectible specimens.

Geological facts

The pink color commonly comes from trace iron compounds or other impurities; halite dissolves readily in water.

Field identification & locations

Look for cubic cleavage, softness, and high water solubility; do not taste an unknown specimen. Major deposits occur in evaporite basins worldwide, including Poland, Pakistan, and the United States.