Halite Mineral Specimen

HALITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Although known since antiquity, mineralogists recognized halite as a mineral species in the early 1800s after determining its composition.  Its name stems from the Greek hals, meaning “salt.”  Collecting localities are found in Germany, Austria, Italy, Russia, Poland, Canada, and the United States (New York, Texas, Michigan, Utah, New Mexico, California).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Halite [sodium chloride, NaCl], pronounced HAY-lite, is the most abundant halide mineral.  It crystallizes in the cubic system, usually as clusters of interlocked, perfect cubes, often with hoppered faces and truncated, octahedral corners.  Halite also occurs in massive, incrusted, and stalactitic forms.  It has a Mohs hardness of 2.0, perfect cleavage in three directions, vitreous luster, and specific gravity of 2.17.  Pure halite is colorless, but impurities impart a broad range of pastel colors.  Halite forms massive layers in evaporite deposits of chemical sedimentary rocks in association with gypsum and borax.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: With many important uses in medicine and food preservation, halite was an important, early trading commodity.  According to modern metaphysical beliefs, halite corrects mood swings, enhances perception, and diminishes negativity.  Pink halite crystals are thought to dispel depression, while blue crystals stimulate intuition.  As a major source of sodium and the only significant mineral source of chlorine, which are both the basic feedstocks for the manufacture of many chemical compounds, halite has great economic importance and is mined extensively.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Halite is widely collected for its attractive crystal clusters, high degree of cubic-crystal development, and wide range of pale colors.