Halite

UNB-2017-0077Minerals » Halides

Description

Colourless subhedral cubic form of Halite with a vitreous lustre. Halite (NaCl) is colourless mineral but can have tints of grey, yellow, red or blue. Lustre is vitreous and streak is white. Hardness is 2 to 2 1/2 and cleavage is perfect in three directions at 90 degrees. Halite is usually found in its cubic forms but can be octahedral, granular, cleavage fragments or compact.

Specifications

Object nameHalite
IDUNB-2017-0077
Legal statusPermanent collection
CategoryMineral
Classification
Mineral group:
Halides
Composition
  • NaCl
  • CaF2
  • (Ce,La)F3·H2O
  • HNa4Be3Al(PO4)3F6
  • NaF
  • KCl
  • KCl and NaCl
  • NH4Cl
  • Na3AlF6
  • AgCl
  • KMgCl3•6H2O
  • Cu2Cl(OH)3
  • Hg2Cl2
OriginUnknown
Pieces1
PartialNo
Measurements
  • 2.5cm x 3.5cm x 3cm

Publications

  • Chesterman, C.W. 1979. Audubon Society, Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. Knopf.