Halite

__**Halite**__ http://geology.com/minerals/halite.shtml http://www.mineraltown.com/articles/egypt/egyptian_minerals.php?idioma=2
 * by: Trevor Ullestad, Braxton Risetter**

Facts of Halite http://www.minerals.net/mineral/halides/halite/halite.htm http://www.answers.com/topic/halite
 * known commonly as **ROCK SALT**.
 * hardness of 2.5
 * made of sodium chloride atoms
 * its color is gray, red, orange, or brown
 * luster is glassy
 * streak is white
 * density is 2.1-2.6
 * its crystal structure is cubic, and rarely octahedrons
 * cleavage is 1, all sides- cubic
 * fracture is conchoidal
 * some special characteristics
 * salty taste
 * softness
 * crystal formations
 * it forms in very unique conditions where the salt does not dissolve in water. Then the salt crystalizes and combines with ice, which makes makes the structure of the mineral and makes it stable.
 * it is found in the great salt lake, the dead sea, lake bonneville, and many other locations
 * it is used as food seasoning, salt licks for animals, and to melt ice.
 * Halite is not found in most parts Iowa