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.

Image of halite mineral
Credit: Jamain, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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 icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Halite Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical FormulaNaCl
Molar Mass58.44 g/mol
Crystal SystemCubic
Mohs Hardness2.0 - 2.5
Density2160 - 2170 kg/m3
ColorWhite, clear, light blue, dark blue, or pink
DiaphaneityTransparent
LusterVitreous (glassy)
Cleavage(001) perfect
FractureConchoidal, brittle
StreakWhite
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point801 °C
Thermal Conductivity3.1 - 3.9 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)850 - 900 J/kg·K
Optical PropertiesMetric
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.