cubic Halides
Halite
Formula NaCl
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Halite
#! System: Cubic (m3m)
#! Habit: Perfect cube
cubic[m3m]:{100}@1.0
cubic
m3m
{100}
Quick Facts
Hardness
2.5
Specific Gravity
2.17
Refractive Index
1.544
Optical Character
Isotropic
Physical Properties
- Crystal System
- cubic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5
- Specific Gravity
- 2.17
- Cleavage
- Perfect {100} (three directions at 90 degrees)
- Fracture
- Conchoidal (rarely seen)
- Lustre
- Vitreous
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.544
- Optical Character
- Isotropic
- Pleochroism
- None (isotropic)
Characteristics
Colours
ColorlessWhiteBlue (radiation-induced)PinkOrangeYellow
Localities
Worldwide in evaporite depositsPoland (Wieliczka mines)Pakistan (Khewra Salt Mine)Germany (Stassfurt)Utah (USA)Louisiana (USA - salt domes)
Crystal Forms
cubehopper crystals
Notes
Soluble in water; hygroscopic - must be stored in dry conditions; characteristic salty taste
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the cubic system
