mineral
Rock Salt
Halite (NaCl)
Hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from colorless or white to yellow, red, or blue depending on impurities, vitreous to greasy luster, cubic crystal system, perfect cubic cleavage in three directions at 90-degree angles, specific gravity of 2.16.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from colorless or white to yellow, red, or blue depending on impurities, vitreous to greasy luster, cubic crystal system, perfect cubic cleavage in three directions at 90-degree angles, specific gravity of 2.16.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the evaporation of saline bodies of water such as inland seas, salt lakes, or restricted marine basins, typically in arid or semi-arid climates over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in the chemical industry, for de-icing roads in winter, food preservation, seasoning, and in water softening systems.
Geological facts
Halite dissolves easily in water and has a distinct salty taste. Massive deposits can form underground salt domes, which are sometimes used for strategic petroleum reserves.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its cubic cleavage, solubility in water, and salty taste. Found globally in sedimentary evaporite deposits, notably in places like Poland, Canada, Germany, and the United States (such as the Permian Basin).
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