Halite (NaCl) is rock salt — sodium chloride in crystalline form. It forms in evaporite basins by precipitation from seawater, in salt domes by diapiric flow, and in volcanic fumaroles. Cubic crystals are diagnostic. Wieliczka (Poland) and Searles Lake (California) produce iconic large cubic specimens. Halite is mined globally for industrial chemistry, food, and de-icing.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 2 — soft.
- Isometric; diagnostic perfect cubic cleavage and habit.
- Salty taste is unique among common minerals.
- Highly water-soluble; specimens require dry storage.
- Common evaporite mineral with gypsum, anhydrite, sylvite.
Notable Localities
Wieliczka (Poland) and Searles Lake (California) produce iconic specimens. Sichuan and Yunnan host Chinese salt-dome deposits.
Found at these Localities
- Searles Lake (瑟尔斯湖蒸发岩)
- Yunnan (云南)
- Sichuan (四川)
