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Halite
Halite
The mineral that everyone knows as "salt"
What is Halite?
Halite is the mineral name for the substance that everyone knows as "salt". Its chemical name is sodium chloride and a rock
composed primarily of halite is known as "rock salt".
How Does Halite Form?
Halite is mainly a sedimentary mineral that usually forms in arid climates where ocean water evaporates. However, many inland lakes such as
the Great Salt Lake of North America and the Dead Sea between Jordan and Israel are also locations where halite is forming today.
Over geologic time several enormous salt deposits have been formed when repeated episodes of seawater evaporation occurred in restricted basins.
Some of these deposits are thousands of feet thick. When buried deeply they can erupt to form salt domes.
How is Halite Used?
Salt has many uses. Most of the salt produced is crushed and used in the winter on roads to control the accumulation
of snow and ice. Significant amounts of salt are also used by the chemical industry. Salt is an essential nutrient for humans and
most animals and it is also a favorite seasoning for many types of food. Salt is a mineral that everyone knows.
Physical Properties of Halite |
| Color |
colorless or white when pure; impurities produce any color but usually yellow, gray, black, brown, red |
| Streak |
white |
| Luster |
vitreous |
| Diaphaneity |
transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage |
perfect, cubic, three directions at right angles |
| Mohs Hardness |
2.5 |
| Specific Gravity |
2.2 |
| Diagnostic Characteristics |
cleavage, solubility, salty taste
(The taste test is discouraged. Some minerals are toxic or contaminated by other people tasting them.) ;o |
| Crystal System |
isometric |
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| Halite from Retsof, New York. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across. |
| Halite from the Salton Sea, California. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across. |
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