Halite

Halite cubic crystal structure with large Cl^- anions (green) and small Na⁺ cations (yellow).

This mineral is commonly known as rock salt.

Formula

NaCl

Structure

Non-silicate

Crystal System

Crystal system: cubic

Physical Properties

Colour in hand specimen: colourless or white when pure, more typically orange or red due to inclusions of iron compounds, and may also be grey, yellow or blue
Cleavage: perfect cubic, three planes intersect at 90°
Hardness: 2.5

Mineral Name

halite