1. Halite (NaCl) – Common Salt

  • Sources: Found in evaporite deposits and underground salt mines.
  • Key Applications:
    • Food Industry: Table salt and food preservation.
    • Chemical Industry: Used in chlorine and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) production.
    • De-icing Roads: Prevents ice formation on highways.
    • Water Treatment: Softens hard water in industrial and residential systems.

2. Sylvite (KCl) – Potassium Ore

  • Sources: Found in potash deposits, often mixed with halite.
  • Key Applications:
    • Fertilizers: Primary source of potassium (K) for crop growth.
    • Chemical Industry: Used in potassium hydroxide (KOH) and detergent production.
    • Metallurgy: Flux in aluminum refining and metal treatment.

3. Fluorite (CaF₂) – Fluorspar

  • Sources: Found in hydrothermal veins and sedimentary rocks.
  • Key Applications:
    • Steelmaking: Used as a flux to remove impurities in molten metals.
    • Glass & Ceramics: Improves durability and transparency.
    • Chemical Industry: Source of fluorine gas (F₂) for refrigerants, Teflon, and pharmaceuticals.
    • Water Fluoridation: Added to drinking water to prevent tooth decay.

4. Cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) – Aluminum Ore Additive

  • Sources: Found naturally in Greenland, now mostly synthetically produced.
  • Key Applications:
    • Aluminum Extraction: Used in the Hall-Héroult process to lower the melting point of aluminum oxide.
    • Glass Manufacturing: Enhances durability and heat resistance.
    • Abrasives & Welding: Used in welding flux and ceramic coatings.

5. Carnallite (KMgCl₃·6H₂O) – Potash Mineral

  • Sources: Found in salt lakes and evaporite deposits.
  • Key Applications:
    • Fertilizers: Used for potassium and magnesium enrichment in soils.
    • Chemical Industry: Source of magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) for metal refining.
    • Pharmaceuticals: Used in magnesium supplements and medical applications.

6. Bischofite (MgCl₂·6H₂O) – Magnesium Source

  • Sources: Found in salt lakes and underground brine deposits.
  • Key Applications:
    • Magnesium Extraction: Used in metallurgy and industrial alloys.
    • De-icing & Dust Control: Alternative to sodium chloride for winter road treatment.
    • Health & Wellness: Used in magnesium oil for pain relief.