Salt, i.e. sodium chloride, is a mineral that naturally occurs in our seas and underground deposits. It is an ionic chemical compound with the formula NaCl. This means that for every gram of salt, almost 40 per cent (39.337%) is sodium (Na) and over 60 per cent (60.663%) is chlorine (Cl). Salt can vary in colour depending upon its level of purity.
There are two main sources of salt. It is harvested directly either from sea water or natural brine, or from rock salt deposits formed by the evaporation of earlier seas that left a layer of rock salt, otherwise known as halite. There are three types of salt extraction: solar evaporation, rock salt mining and solution mining. Each one involves specific technology and manufacturers select the most appropriate technique depending upon the particular topographic and socio-economic conditions in their area of operation.
Solar Evaporation Method
This is the oldest method of salt production. It has been used since salt crystals were first noticed in trapped pools of sea water. Its use is practical only in warm climates where the evaporation rate exceeds the precipitation rate, either annually or for extended periods, and ideally, where there are steady prevailing winds. Solar salt production is, typically, the capturing of salt water in shallow ponds where the sun evaporates most of the water. The concentrated brine precipitates the salt which is then gathered by mechanical harvesting machines. Any impurities that may be present in the brine are drained off and discarded prior to harvesting.
Sea salt is naturally harvested and dried in the sun and sea salt contains 84 mineral elements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium and more) that are essential in very small amounts for a variety of functions in the body.
These mineral salts and electrolytes are key players in enzyme production as well as immune system, adrenal and thyroid function.
Refining of salt is basically an automated process to remove visible and invisible impurities found in raw salt. Refining system which is performed by Billurtuz, has been patented to International Salt Co.
This method involves complete dissolution of raw sea salt in water. Then dissolved salt crystals are formed from the solution under high temperature and vacuum. Consisted salt crystals are dehydrated at high temperatures. These white, pure and free-flow salt crystals are packed with full automated machines before reaching our tables.
For health and practical use, the refined salt produced by this method, with its whiteness, flow ability, purity and homogeneous crystal structure is more superior than the salts produced by other methods.
Salt is crucial for many industries. Its compounds make it one of the most important materials in the chemical industry, since more than 50% of the chemical products depend on it at a stage of their manufacture. It is also used in the manufacturing of thousands of other commodities including glass, paper, rubber, and textiles as well as in water softening systems for industry and domestic use. Furthermore, it is used as a de-icing agent and as most commonly known food ingredient. For more detailed information of the different uses of salt, please see the section below.
