Rock salt, also known as halite, is a naturally occurring mineral form of sodium chloride (NaCl). It is typically found in large deposits underground and is often harvested through mining. Rock salt appears as colorless or white crystals, but it can also have shades of pink, blue, or green due to impurities. It is commonly used for de-icing roads in winter and as a seasoning in cooking. In addition to its practical uses, rock salt has applications in various industries. It is used in the production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide, both of which are important chemicals in manufacturing. Rock salt is also utilized in water softening processes and can be found in some therapeutic baths for its mineral content.