Properties of Halite
Halite is a mineral and the natural form of sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt. Its chemical formula is (NaCl), and it is a member of the halide mineral group. Halite is a common evaporite mineral, forming in arid environments where saltwater bodies, such as lakes or seas, evaporate, leaving behind the salt.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of halite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Note: click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | NaCl |
| Molar Mass | 58.44 g/mol |
| Crystal System | Cubic |
| Mohs Hardness | 2.0 - 2.5 |
| Density | 2160 - 2170 kg/m3 |
| Color | White, clear, light blue, dark blue, or pink |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent |
| Luster | Vitreous (glassy) |
| Cleavage | (001) perfect |
| Fracture | Conchoidal, brittle |
| Streak | White |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 801 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 3.1 - 3.9 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 850 - 900 J/kg·K |
| Optical Properties | Metric |
| Refractive Index (nD) | 1.5446 |
Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.