Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
cubiccommonHalides
Halite
NaCl
This specimen features a cluster of translucent, pinkish-orange halite crystals, displaying their characteristic cubic forms and perfect cleavage.
Halite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect cubic (three directions at 90 degrees)Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.16Colors
colorless, white, pink, blue, purple, yellow, redTransparency
transparentType Locality
Wieliczka Mine, Wieliczka, Małopolskie, PolandMineral Group
HalidesUses
food additive, de-icing, chemical industry, water softening, collectorAssociated Minerals
gypsum, anhydrite, sylvite, polyhalite, carnalliteRarity
commonGeological Context
Halite forms primarily as an evaporite mineral, precipitating from the evaporation of saline water bodies like ancient seas or salt lakes, creating extensive sedimentary deposits.
