Sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt, is a chemical compound made up of sodium and chlorine ions. It is a white, crystalline substance that is essential for human health, as it helps regulate fluid balance and supports nerve function. Sodium chloride is widely used in cooking and food preservation. In nature, sodium chloride is found in seawater and mineral deposits. It is harvested through evaporation of seawater or mining of salt deposits. Beyond culinary uses, NaCl is also important in various industrial applications, including the production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide.