| Sodium chloride (NaCl) or common salt is an ionic crystal consisting of equal numbers of sodium and chlorine atoms and is an essential component in the human diet, being found in blood sweat and tears. Occurrence Sodium chloride is abundant and can be found naturally occurring. It can be found in the mineral halite (pure rock salt) as well as in mixed evaporates in salt lakes. Sea water also contains 2.7% by weight salt and constitutes 80% of the dissolved minerals in sea water. Production Sodium chloride is mined or obtained from brine, when water is added to salt deposits. Alternatively, it is obtained from sea water. This is commonly known as sea salt and constitutes most table salt. It also contains some impurities. |