HALITE
Halite is by far the most common water-soluble mineral. It occurs as extensive beds formed by evaporation of sea water. The beds occur interstratified with beds of shale, limestone, dolostone, and gypsum or anhydrite. Halite also occurs as a sublimation in volcanic regions and as an efflorescence in arid areas. Along with other salts, it occurs in playa deposits in dried inland lake basins such as on the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
Stratiform deposits of halite, of widespread occurrence throughout the world, range in age from Paleozoic to Recent. Deformation of thick salt beds, generally at considerable depths, has resulted in the local extrusion of plug-like or chimney-like masses, ranging from a few hundred feet to several miles in diameter, into overlying sediments, forming masses called salt domes or salt plugs. In the Gulf Coast region of the United States, approximately 250 of these masses have been discovered in the search for oil and gas. Halite finds its greatest use in the production of sodium compounds, chlorine, and as an ice control agent for highways and walkways. Other uses include those for culinary purposes and for several diverse uses in the chemical and metallurgical industries.