Abstract

Sodium chloride (common salt, halite) is an abundant resource that is essential to humans and animals as a nutrient for proper bodily functions. Commercially, salt is produced by deep mining of underground halite formations, solar evaporation of seawater or natural brines, or by solution mining of bedded deposits. A strong electrolyte, sodium chloride is used as a raw material for many chemical reactions. Its uses number ~14,000, with chemical production and highway deicing being the biggest volume users. Salt is the carrier for the nutrient iodine, used to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. The history of salt demonstrates the importance of this essential nutrient to the outcome of world history and development of language, formation of cities, and the locations of industry.