# Halite

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Mineral known as rock salt

"Rock salt" redirects here. For edible coarse salt, see [Kosher salt](/source/Kosher_salt). For the cubic crystal structure known as the "rock-salt" structure, see [Cubic crystal system § Rock-salt structure](/source/Cubic_crystal_system#Rock-salt_structure).

For other uses, see [Halite (disambiguation)](/source/Halite_(disambiguation)).

Halite Halite from the Wieliczka salt mine, Małopolskie, Poland General Category Halide mineral Formula NaCl IMA symbol Hl[1] Strunz classification 3.AA.20 Crystal system Cubic[2] Crystal class Hexoctahedral (m3m) H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m) Space group Fm3m Unit cell a = 5.6404(1) Å; Z = 4 Identification Formula mass 58.433 g/mol Color Colorless or white when pure. Impurities produce any color but usually yellow, gray, black, brown, red (Depends on isotopes and purity for various colours)[2] Crystal habit Predominantly cubes and in massive sedimentary beds, but also granular, fibrous and compact Cleavage Perfect {001}, three directions cubic Fracture Conchoidal Tenacity Brittle Mohs scale hardness 2.0–2.5 Luster Vitreous Streak White Diaphaneity Transparent to Translucent Specific gravity 2.17 Optical properties Isotropic Refractive index n = 1.544 Melting point 800.7 °C Solubility Water-soluble Other characteristics Salty flavor, may be fluorescent References [3][4][5][6]

**Halite** ([/ˈhælaɪt, ˈheɪlaɪt/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) [*HAL-yte, HAY-lyte*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key)),[7][8][9] commonly known as **rock salt**, is a type of [salt](/source/Salt), the [mineral](/source/Mineral) (natural) form of [sodium chloride](/source/Sodium_chloride) ([Na](/source/Sodium)[Cl](/source/Chlorine)). Halite forms [isometric crystals](/source/Cubic_(crystal_system)).[10] The mineral is typically colorless or white, but may also be light blue, dark blue, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow or gray depending on inclusion of other materials, [impurities](/source/Impurities), and structural or isotopic abnormalities in the crystals.[11] It commonly occurs with other [evaporite](/source/Evaporite) deposit minerals such as several of the [sulfates](/source/Sulfate_mineral), [halides](/source/Halide_mineral), and [borates](/source/Borate_mineral). The name *halite* is derived from the Ancient Greek word for "salt", ἅλς (*háls*).[3]

## Occurrence

Halite cubes from the Stassfurt Potash Deposit, [Saxony-Anhalt](/source/Saxony-Anhalt), Germany (size: 6.7 × 1.9 × 1.7 cm)

Halite dominantly occurs within sedimentary rocks where it has formed from the evaporation of seawater or salty lake water. Vast beds of [sedimentary](/source/Sedimentary) evaporite minerals, including halite, can result from the drying up of [enclosed](/source/Endorheic) lakes and restricted seas. Such salt beds may be hundreds of meters thick and underlie broad areas.[12] Halite occurs at the surface today in [playas](/source/Dry_lake) in regions where evaporation exceeds precipitation such as in the salt flats of [Badwater Basin](/source/Badwater_Basin) in [Death Valley National Park](/source/Death_Valley_National_Park).

In the [United States](/source/United_States) and [Canada](/source/Canada), extensive underground beds extend from the [Appalachian Basin](/source/Appalachian_Basin) of western [New York](/source/New_York_(state)) through parts of [Ontario](/source/Ontario) and under much of the [Michigan Basin](/source/Michigan_Basin). Other deposits are in [Ohio](/source/Ohio), [Kansas](/source/Kansas), [New Mexico](/source/New_Mexico), [Nova Scotia](/source/Nova_Scotia) and [Saskatchewan](/source/Saskatchewan). Deposits can also be found near [Dasol](/source/Dasol), [Pangasinan](/source/Pangasinan), [Philippines](/source/Philippines)[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]. The [Khewra salt mine](/source/Khewra_Salt_Mines) is a massive deposit of halite near [Islamabad](/source/Islamabad), Pakistan.

[Salt domes](/source/Salt_dome) are vertical [diapirs](/source/Diapir) or pipe-like masses of salt that have been essentially "squeezed up" from underlying salt beds by mobilization due to the weight of the overlying rock. Salt domes contain [anhydrite](/source/Anhydrite), [gypsum](/source/Gypsum), and native [sulfur](/source/Sulfur), in addition to halite and [sylvite](/source/Sylvite). They are common along the [Gulf coasts](/source/Gulf_of_Mexico) of [Texas](/source/Texas) and [Louisiana](/source/Louisiana) and are often associated with [petroleum](/source/Petroleum) deposits. [Germany](/source/Germany), [Spain](/source/Spain), the [Netherlands](/source/Netherlands), [Denmark](/source/Denmark), [Romania](/source/Romania) and [Iran](/source/Iran) also have salt domes.[13] [Salt glaciers](/source/Salt_glacier) exist in arid Iran where the salt has broken through the surface at high elevation and flows downhill. In these cases, halite is said to be behaving like a [rheid](/source/Rheid).

Unusual, purple, fibrous vein-filling halite is found in [France](/source/France) and a few other localities. Halite crystals termed *hopper crystals* appear to be "skeletons" of the typical cubes, with the edges present and stairstep depressions on, or rather in, each crystal face. In a rapidly crystallizing environment, the edges of the cubes simply grow faster than the centers. Halite crystals form very quickly in some rapidly evaporating lakes resulting in modern artifacts with a coating or encrustation of halite crystals.[14] *Halite flowers* are rare [stalactites](/source/Stalactite) of curling fibers of halite that are found in certain arid caves of [Australia](/source/Australia)'s [Nullarbor Plain](/source/Nullarbor_Plain).[15] Halite stalactites and encrustations are also reported in the Quincy [native copper](/source/Native_copper) mine of [Hancock, Michigan](/source/Hancock%2C_Michigan).

## Mining

The world's largest underground salt mine is the [Sifto](/source/Sifto_Canada) Salt Mine. It produces over 7 million tons of rock salt per year using the [room and pillar mining](/source/Room_and_pillar_mining) method. It is located half a kilometre under [Lake Huron](/source/Lake_Huron) in [Ontario](/source/Ontario), Canada.[16] In the [United Kingdom](/source/United_Kingdom) there are three mines; the largest of these is at [Winsford](/source/Winsford) in [Cheshire](/source/Cheshire), producing, on average, one million tonnes of salt per year.

## Uses

Salt is used extensively in cooking as a flavor enhancer, and to [cure](/source/Curing_(food_preservation)) a wide variety of foods such as [bacon](/source/Bacon) and [fish](/source/Salted_fish).[17] It is frequently used in food preservation methods across various cultures. Larger pieces can be ground in a [salt mill](/source/Burr_mill) or dusted over food from a shaker as finishing salt.

Halite is also often used both residentially and municipally for managing ice. Because [brine](/source/Brine) (a solution of water and salt) has a lower freezing point than pure water, putting salt or saltwater on ice that is below 0 °C (32 °F) will cause it to melt—this effect is called [freezing-point depression](/source/Freezing-point_depression). It is common for homeowners in cold climates to spread salt on their sidewalks and driveways after a [snow storm](/source/Snow_storm) to melt the ice. It is not necessary to use so much salt that the ice is completely melted; rather, a small amount of salt will weaken the ice so that it can be easily removed by other means. Also, many cities will spread a mixture of sand and salt [on roads](/source/Road_salt) during and after a snowstorm to improve traction. Using [salt brine](/source/Salt_brine) is more effective than spreading dry salt because moisture is necessary for the freezing-point depression to work and wet salt sticks to the roads better. Otherwise the salt can be wiped away by traffic.[18]

In addition to de-icing, rock salt is occasionally used in agriculture. An example of this would be inducing salt stress to suppress the growth of annual meadow grass in turf production. Other examples involve exposing weeds to salt water to dehydrate and kill them preventing them from affecting other plants. Salt is also used as a household cleaning product. Its coarse nature allows for its use in various cleaning scenarios including grease/oil removal, stain removal, dries out and hardens sticky spills for an easier clean.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Some cultures, especially in Africa and Brazil, prefer a wide variety of different rock salts for different dishes. Pure salt is avoided as particular colors of salt indicates the presence of different impurities. Many recipes call for particular kinds of rock salt, and imported pure salt often has impurities added to adapt to local tastes.[19] [Historically](/source/History_of_salt), salt was used as a form of currency in barter systems and was exclusively controlled by authorities and their appointees. In some ancient civilizations the practice of [salting the earth](/source/Salting_the_earth) was done to make conquered land of an enemy infertile and inhospitable as an act of domination or spite. One biblical reference to this practice is in [Judges 9:45](/source/Judge_(Bible)): "he killed the people in it, pulled the wall down and sowed the site with salt."[20]

[Polyhalite](/source/Polyhalite), a mineral fertilizer, is not an NaCl-polymer, but hydrated sulfate of potassium, calcium and magnesium (K2Ca2Mg-[sulfate](/source/Sulfate)).

[Shotgun shells](/source/Shotgun_shell) containing rock salt (instead of metal pellets) are a *less lethal* deterrent.[21]

## Gallery

		- Unusual halite crystals from [Faiyum](/source/Faiyum), [Egypt](/source/Egypt)

		- Hopper crystal cast of halite in a [Jurassic](/source/Jurassic) rock, [Carmel Formation](/source/Carmel_Formation), [Utah](/source/Utah)

		- Sharp halite crystals that have this green color from inclusions of copper minerals (atacamite?)

		- Large natural crystal of halite, showing cubic crystal form

		- Pink color halite on a matrix covered with minute [nahcolite](/source/Nahcolite)

		- Halite from [Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan](/source/Potash_Corporation_of_Saskatchewan) Mine in [Rocanville, Saskatchewan](/source/Rocanville%2C_Saskatchewan), Canada

		- Pebbles made of halite from the western [Dead Sea](/source/Dead_Sea) coast, Israel

## See also

- [Coarse salt](/source/Coarse_salt) (edible)

- [Salt tectonics](/source/Salt_tectonics)

- [Grozon coal and saltworks](/source/Grozon_coal_and_saltworks)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Warr, L.N. (2021). ["IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols"](https://doi.org/10.1180%2Fmgm.2021.43). *Mineralogical Magazine*. **85** (3): 291–320. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2021MinM...85..291W](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2021MinM...85..291W). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1180/mgm.2021.43](https://doi.org/10.1180%2Fmgm.2021.43). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [235729616](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:235729616).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-geocomhalite_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-geocomhalite_2-1) [Geology.com: Halite](https://geology.com/minerals/halite.shtml)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Handbook_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Handbook_3-1) ["Halite"](http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/halite.pdf) (PDF). *Handbook of Mineralogy*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100628052809/http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/halite.pdf) (PDF) from the original on June 28, 2010. Retrieved 16 April 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Mindat_4-0)** ["Halite"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110805033506/http://www.mindat.org/min-1804.html). [Mindat.org](/source/Mindat.org). Archived from [the original](http://www.mindat.org/min-1804.html) on 2011-08-05.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Webmin_5-0)** ["Halite"](https://web.archive.org/web/20041124083935/http://webmineral.com/data/Halite.shtml). Webmineral. Archived from [the original](http://webmineral.com/data/Halite.shtml) on 2004-11-24.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Haynes_6-0)** Haynes, William M., ed. (2011). [*CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics*](/source/CRC_Handbook_of_Chemistry_and_Physics) (92nd ed.). [CRC Press](/source/CRC_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1439855119](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1439855119).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["halite"](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halite). *[Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary](/source/Merriam-Webster)*. Merriam-Webster. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [1032680871](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1032680871).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["halite"](https://www.dictionary.com/browse/halite). *[Dictionary.com Unabridged](/source/Dictionary.com)* (Online). n.d.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Halite"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151002235932/http://dictionary.infoplease.com/halite). *[Random House Unabridged Dictionary](/source/Random_House_Unabridged_Dictionary)*. 1997. Archived from [the original](http://dictionary.infoplease.com/halite) on 2015-10-02.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Bonewitz, Ronald Louis (2012). *Rocks and Minerals*. [DK Publishing](/source/DK_Publishing). p. 110. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-7566-9042-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7566-9042-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Sonnenfeld, Peter (January 1995). "The color of rock salt—A review". *Sedimentary Geology*. **94** (3–4): 267–276. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[1995SedG...94..267S](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1995SedG...94..267S). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/0037-0738(94)00093-A](https://doi.org/10.1016%2F0037-0738%2894%2900093-A).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["halite | mineral"](https://www.britannica.com/science/halite). *Britannica*. Retrieved 2022-04-22.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["What is a Salt Dome? How do they form?"](https://geology.com/stories/13/salt-domes/). *geology.com*. Retrieved 2022-04-22.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Halite_14-0)** ["HALITE (Sodium Chloride)"](http://www.galleries.com/Halite). Galleries.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151216011838/http://www.galleries.com/Halite) from the original on 2015-12-16. Retrieved 2015-12-16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Wales, University Of New South (2003). [*Beneath the Surface: A Natural History of Australian Caves*](https://books.google.com/books?id=CxwDSfpMq2oC&dq=halite+flowers&pg=PA81). UNSW Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-86840-595-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-86840-595-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Where is the World's Largest Underground Salt Mine"](https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/where-is-the-world-s-largest-underground-salt-mine.html). 14 November 2018. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200708232049/https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/where-is-the-world-s-largest-underground-salt-mine.html) from the original on 2020-07-08. Retrieved 2019-04-10.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Bitterman, Mark (2010). *Salted: A Manifesto on the World's Most Essential Mineral, With Recipes*. Ten Speed Press. pp. 267–270. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-58008-262-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-58008-262-4).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** [*Pre-wetting With Salt Brine*](https://trid.trb.org/view/461997). Center for Transportation Research and Education. 1996. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0965231008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0965231008). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200913051032/https://trid.trb.org/view/461997) from the original on 2020-09-13. Retrieved 2019-04-10.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Kurlansky, Mark (2003). [*Salt: A World History*](https://archive.org/details/saltworldhistory00kurl). Thorndike Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780786243891](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780786243891).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Bible: Judges 9:45"](https://biblehub.com/judges/9-45.htm). *Bible Hub*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181030021559/https://biblehub.com/judges/9-45.htm) from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Less Lethal Loadout: Rock Salt Shotgun Shells"](https://www.ammoman.com/blog/rock-salt-shotgun-shells/). 15 September 2020.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Halite](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Halite).

## External links

- Hurlbut, Cornelius S.; Klein, Cornelis, 1985, Manual of Mineralogy, 20th ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-471-80580-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-471-80580-7)

- Anthony, John W; Bideaux, R.A.; Bladh, K.W.; Nicois, M.C. (1997). *Handbook of Mineralogy: Halides, Hydroxides, Oxides*, Mineral Data Publishing, Tucson [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-9622097-2-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-9622097-2-4)

- [Minerals.net](http://www.minerals.net/mineral/halides/halite/halite.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20081221201301/http://www.minerals.net/mineral/halides/halite/halite.htm) 2008-12-21 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [Material Safety Data Sheet](http://www.onlinerocksalt.co.uk/resources/MSDS-Rock-Salt.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120425234840/http://www.onlinerocksalt.co.uk/resources/MSDS-Rock-Salt.pdf) 2012-04-25 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [Desert USA](http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/jan/papr/geo_halite.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20071214234626/http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/jan/papr/geo_halite.html) 2007-12-14 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [Halite stalactites](http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/collectors_corner/arc/mihalite.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20071222204331/http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/collectors_corner/arc/mihalite.htm) 2007-12-22 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

v t e Salt History History In the American Civil War International Salt Co. v. United States In Middlewich Old Salt Route In Chinese history Salt March Salt road Types Abraum Alaea Alberger Asín tibuok Bittern Black lava Butter Calcium chloride Celery Curing Cyclic Dairy Flake Fleur de sel Garlic Himalayan Iodised Jugyeom Kala namak Korean brining Kosher Monosodium glutamate Moshio salt Pickling Potassium chloride Potassium nitrate River reed salt Sodium nitrate Onion Rock Salammoniac Salt substitute Sea salt Seasoned Sel gris Smoked Sodium chloride Truffle Túltul Food usage Brining Salting Brined cheese Salt-cured meat Salted fish Health effects Salt and cardiovascular disease Commerce and industry Salt Industry Commission Evaporation pond Salt mining Salt well Sink works Open-pan salt making List of countries by salt production Salt tectonics By region Cheshire Ghana San Francisco Bay Pakistan Culture Grain of salt Salt in the Bible Salting the earth Miscellaneous Mineral lick Road salt Smelling salts Water softening Ximenes Redoubt Tax Category

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