halite

Everyday

(science) The mineral name for natural rock salt, the same chemical as table salt (sodium chloride), often found as clear or white cube-shaped crystals. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geology lessons, halite is an example of a mineral and of crystals; it forms when salty seas or lakes dry up. People mine halite for salt for food and to grit icy roads. Its crystals are cubes, which links to 3D shapes in maths.

Examples

• Halite is the mineral name for rock salt. tree →
• Halite crystals are shaped like little cubes. tree →
• Halite forms when salty water evaporates. tree →
• The council spread crushed halite on icy roads. tree →
• We tasted a tiny piece of halite in science (with the teacher's permission). tree →
• There are old halite mines in Cheshire. tree →

Note

Said «HAL-ite» or «HAY-lite». Uncountable. Do not taste unknown rocks — only when a teacher says it is safe. From Greek «hals», salt.