Halite
Image: Edal Anton Lefterov (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameHalite
Chemical FormulaNaCl
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect cubic (3 directions at 90 degrees)
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.16
Colorscolorless, white, grey, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityWorldwide in evaporite deposits
Mineral GroupHalides
Usesfood additive, chemical industry, de-icing, water softening, animal feed
Associated Mineralsgypsum, anhydrite, sylvite, carnallite
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays numerous small, translucent to opaque, white, cubic crystals of halite, commonly known as table salt, scattered across a dark, textured surface.
Geological Context
Halite forms as an evaporite mineral, precipitating from the evaporation of saline water bodies like seas or salt lakes. It is found in sedimentary basins, often in thick beds or domes.
