Salinity

Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

The chemical compound that makes up common salt. Composed of sodium and chlorine atoms in a 1:1 ratio forming a cubic crystal lattice. Essential for human

Osmosis

The movement of water through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower salt concentration to higher concentration. This is the principle behind

Hygroscopic

The property of absorbing moisture from the surrounding air. Salt is highly hygroscopic, which is why it clumps in humid conditions and why salt lamps can

Iodization

The process of adding iodine to table salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. Introduced in the United States in 1924, iodized salt is one of the

Anti-Caking Agent

An additive used in table salt to prevent clumping. Common agents include calcium silicate, sodium aluminosilicate, and magnesium carbonate. These keep

Trace Minerals

Minerals present in very small amounts (less than 0.1%) in unrefined salts. Himalayan salt contains up to 84 trace minerals including iron, calcium,