Composed of sodium chloride (NaCl), Halite is otherwise known as "rock salt". This Halite from California is from Searles Lake, which is 5x saltier than your average seawater. Halite is formed when seawater or salty lake water evaporates, and can form vast beds of mineral. Crystals form through repeated episodes of evaporation, and these deposits can stretch for miles.

The pink mineral gets its color from halobacteria from the lake, which appear due to its extreme salinity.

And don't forget- salt does dissolve in water. Make sure to keep your specimen out of humid areas and to avoid getting it wet.

Although it is a form of salt, this Halite is not for consumption. Besides it ruining the natural beauty of the stone, consuming this Halite could be a danger for your health. This is not food-grade, and may contain impurities and contaminates not meant to be ingested. Instead, we can appreciate and admire the cubic forms and pastel pinks these specimens offer us.

 Due to the natural variation of the mineral, the Halite you receive may look different from the one pictured.