Pink Himalayan salt is a kind of rock salt mined in the foothills of the Himalayas, in Pakistan. The salt has a pale pink color due to impurities, however the minerals it contains make it one of the most desirable types of rock salt available on the market. It's often used as an ingredient for food, table salt, spa treatments, and decorative salt lamps.
Himalayan crystal rock salt is often referred to as 'grey salt'. This is because its color is gray, rather than the bright orange or yellowish-brown of table salt. In fact, many Himalayan salt of mines use this variety in the processing of their salt. However, the purest Pink Himalayan salt deposits are believed to be a few hundred meters under the surface of the snow-capped mountains. The high temperature and pressure at these depths mean that minerals in the stone have an unusually long life span.
Some salt mines even use salt from a Himalayan rock salt deposit as a substitute for salt mined in lower altitudes. However, not all of the salt from this high elevation source is used, it's usually mixed with lighter deposits to provide a consistent salt product.
Because of the scarcity of this type of Himalayan rock salt, the mineral content within the rock can vary widely. This is especially true for potassium, which is the most important element in any type of salt.
If you're looking for good grade salt, look for one with a lower percentage of sodium (such as about 4%) and a higher percentage of potassium (like about 15%). This is because sodium tends to cause more corrosion than potassium, which allows the salt to retain its elasticity and resist damage. When shopping for Himalayan rock salt online, you'll also want to look for the number of minerals it contains. Look for a salt that has around 40% of the mineral potassium.
You'll also need to look for Himalayan rock salt that's of high quality. As with any type of rock, it needs to be sealed, treated, and processed properly if you want to keep it at its best and retain its qualities for a long time. You'll find that Himalayan rock salt which has undergone treatment does so through the treatment with a salt bath, a process that removes dissolved impurities, like water and carbon dioxide, as well as impurities like rust and algae.
To protect your Himalayan rock salt, you should ensure it's sealed using a polyethylene sealant. This way, no air or moisture can get inside. Also, be wary of salt which has been exposed to too much sunlight it may fade or even crack.
To preserve your Himalayan rock salt rocks, it's important to store it in a dry, cool, climate-controlled environment. A place that receives little sunlight and less humidity won't affect it as much as it will the rock that you put into the fireplace. Store it away from direct sunlight, because they're at higher altitudes and in high temperatures, making them vulnerable to cracking and oxidation.
Be careful to avoid exposing the rock to any chemicals, such as paint and detergents, that could weaken the crystal formations or cause the rock to absorb them. You also need to be cautious when using solvents on the rock. These liquids can easily evaporate and create a vacuum, pulling out the mineral from the rock.
Although you can use Himalayan rock salt in cooking, it's best to let it stay inside. As mentioned earlier, the rocks have very little magnesium, making it a poor choice for baking. Use a salt-based glaze on any flatware, instead.
Salt has a unique ability to absorb moisture from liquids. and expel the vapor, leaving behind a dry, hard surface. Avoid putting salt directly on your skin, as the acid in the rock can burn, as well as the metal base that makes up your utensils.
By keeping your Himalayan salt rocks in a dry and temperature-controlled environment, and being careful with its use, you'll be able to preserve its value for many years to come.