Product

Rock salt, also known as halite, is a type of salt that is mined from underground deposits or formed from the remnants of ancient bodies of water. Unlike table salt and kosher salt, which are refined and processed to remove impurities, rock salt retains its natural impurities and minerals^[1].

Characteristics

• Cube-shaped crystalline form
• Non-edible, unless specifically labeled as food-grade
• Lower purity than refined salts, with additional minerals and impurities
• Used for various purposes, including:
  • Making ice cream (in a double bowl setup or with electric ice cream makers)
  • Keeping coolers cold
  • De-icing roads and sidewalks
  • Water softening
  • Brining and seasoning (food-grade only)^[1]

Key Points

• Rock salt is not intended for human consumption, unless explicitly labeled as food-grade
• Food-grade rock salt can be used as a seasoning and for making brines
• Non-food-grade rock salt is often used for industrial purposes, such as de-icing and water softening
• Rock salt can be stored indefinitely as long as it remains dry^[1]

Sodium Chloride used in Brine Electrolysis

The following table shows the typical compositions of sodium chloride used in chlor-alkali electrolysis^[2]:

References

1. Brave Search Summarizer, 29^th Jul 2024, Rock Salt
2. Kirk-Othmer, 2002, 'Chlorine', Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology.