sedimentary
Rock salt (Halite)
Halite (Sodium Chloride, NaCl)
Hardness: 2-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white, but can be yellow or red; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.17
- Hardness
- 2-2
- Color
- Colorless to white, but can be yellow or red
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white, but can be yellow or red; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect cubic; Specific Gravity: 2.17
Formation & geological history
Formed through the evaporation of seawater or saline lake water in arid basins. These evaporite deposits can be millions of years old, often found in thick underground beds or salt domes.
Uses & applications
Used as table salt, for de-icing roads, in chemical manufacturing, as a food preservative, and in water softening systems.
Geological facts
Halite is highly soluble in water. In ancient times, it was so valuable it was used as currency and 'salary' comes from the Latin word for salt.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its salty taste (though not recommended for unknown minerals) and cubic cleavage. Commonly found in dried lake beds like the Bonneville Salt Flats or deep underground mines.
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