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Scientific name of rock salt is halite
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Halite is the mineral form of sodium chloride, NaCl, commonly known as rock salt.
Halite forms isometric crystals. The mineral is typically colorless to yellow, but
may also be light blue, dark blue, and pink depending on the amount and type of
impurities. It commonly occurs with other evaporite deposit minerals such as several
of the sulfates, halides and borates.
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Halite is often used both residentially and municipally for managing ice. Because
saline (a solution of water and salt) has a lower freezing point than ordinary water,
putting salt on ice will cause it to melt. It is common for homeowners in cold climates
to spread 'rock salt' on their walkways and sometimes driveways after a snow storm
to melt the ice. It is not necessary to use so much salt that the ice is completely
melted; rather, a small amount of salt will weaken the ice so that it can be easily
removed with other means. Also, many cities will spread a mixture of sand and salt
on roads during and after a snowstorm to improve traction.
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Rock salt is also used to make ice cream. It is not actually used in the ice cream
mixture; rather, it is used to melt the ice surrounding the can holding the ice
cream, causing the ice to melt at a lower temperature, thus lowering the temperature
of the ice bath and quickening the freezing process.
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Rock salt is also occasionally used instead of a slug or shot in shotgun shells
as a less-than-lethal option
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