What Are the Benefits of Rock Salt?

Rock salt, commonly known as halite, is a form of sodium chloride. Salt, which we know as NaCl, can have other impurities like sylvite and potassium sulfate. It is usually colorless, but can be yellow, pink or blue depending on the impurities. It is used as a spice, an ingredient in ice cream, for road work and nonlethal weapons.

Formation

Halite forms when seawater dries up, leaving the mineral deposits behind. The evaporated seawater leaves behind positive sodium and negative chlorine ions.

Table Salt

Table salt is generally what we think of when we hear salt. Table salt is a more pure form of rock salt and is edible and essential to the body.

Ice Cream

Some ice cream makers use rock salt in the production of ice cream. Although table salt works as well, rock salt is more cost-efficient.

Road Maintenance

Rock salt is often sprinkled on roads in the winter. When the salt mixes with ice and snow, the melting point is lowered. This causes the ice to melt.

Nonlethal Weapons

Sometimes bags of rock salt are used like beanbags as nonlethal weapons. These are used for population control or when the target isn't meant to be seriously wounded.