Overview
Halite, known as 石盐 (shí yán) in Chinese, is the mineral form of sodium chloride with a cubic crystal structure. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it has been used for centuries as a mineral drug to regulate body fluids and support digestion. Unlike refined table salt, natural rock salt retains trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to its therapeutic value in TCM formulations. As a geological resource, halite forms through the evaporation of ancient seawater and is mined globally. Medicinal-grade rock salt undergoes strict purification processes to remove impurities while maintaining its natural mineral composition. The TCM Pharmacopoeia specifies quality standards for 石盐 used in herbal preparations.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Halite crystallizes in the isometric system, typically forming perfect cubes with cleavages at right angles. Its Mohs hardness of 2.5 makes it relatively soft among minerals. The pure form is transparent to translucent, though impurities often render it white, pink, or gray. Its high solubility in water (359 g/L at 20°C) makes it effective for preparing saline solutions in medicinal applications. Chemically stable under normal conditions, halite begins to lose crystalline water above 200°C. Its hygroscopic nature requires careful storage to prevent caking. In TCM practice, the mineral's cooling properties and salty flavor are considered key to its therapeutic effects, particularly for clearing heat and softening hard masses in the body.
Main Applications
In traditional Chinese medicine, rock salt is used both internally and externally. Internally, it's employed in small doses to guide herbal formulas to the kidneys and regulate water metabolism. Externally, saline solutions made from 石盐 are used for soaking compresses to reduce swelling or disinfect wounds. Modern applications include its use in saline IV solutions and as an electrolyte replenisher. Beyond medicine, food-grade halite is valued in gourmet cooking for its mineral complexity compared to refined salt. Industrially, it serves as a raw material for chlorine and sodium hydroxide production through electrolysis. De-icing accounts for about 40% of global rock salt consumption, though medicinal and food uses demand higher purity grades.
Safety and Storage
Medicinal rock salt must meet strict heavy metal limits (e.g., <2 ppm lead, <1 ppm arsenic) as specified in Chinese pharmacopeia standards. Prolonged exposure to moist air can cause deliquescence, requiring airtight containers with desiccants for long-term storage. Temperature should be maintained below 30°C to prevent caking. Therapeutic use in TCM typically involves small quantities (1-3g daily) under professional guidance. Contraindications include hypertension and edema conditions. Industrial handlers should use dust masks to prevent respiratory irritation from fine particles during processing.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing medicinal-grade rock salt, verify certificates of analysis for purity (≥97% NaCl), heavy metal content, and microbial limits. Reputable suppliers should provide mineral assay reports detailing trace element profiles. Food-grade certifications (e.g., ISO 22000) indicate suitable quality for TCM preparations. Bulk pricing follows mining economics - large orders (20+ tons) typically cost $50-80/ton, while pharmaceutical-grade material in smaller batches may reach $150-200/ton. Consider logistics: bagged salt in 25kg woven PP bags with inner liners prevents moisture absorption during transit. Seasonal demand peaks in winter may affect availability and pricing.
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