Himalayan Salt

Himalayan salt – pink halite from the Khewra mine, salt lamps and home decorations

Himalayan salt is a trade name for crystalline halite (NaCl) with a characteristic pink to salmon color, caused by trace admixtures of iron oxides in the crystal structure. Despite its name, it is not mined in the Himalayas themselves but in the Salt Range in the Punjab province of Pakistan – specifically in the Khewramine, which is the second largest salt mine in the world and is located about 300 km from the Himalayan massif. The deposit formed through the evaporation of an ancient sea in the Precambrian to Permian period (estimated to be hundreds of millions of years old) and was later raised to the surface by the tectonic activity that also created the Himalayas themselves. Himalayan salt contains dozens of trace minerals and elements (iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium) alongside the dominant sodium chloride. It is a popular material for salt lamps, decorative objects and interior design – especially thanks to its warm pink color and the practice of feng shui, in which a salt lamp symbolizes the earth element and warm light.

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In our range you will find salt lamps in various sizes and designs – for tealights and electric ones, with solid wood bases.

The Salt Range and the Khewra mine – the true origin of "Himalayan" salt

• Why the name does not match the locality: the trade name "Himalayan salt" came about through marketing, thanks to the proximity of the Himalayas and the romantic association with this world-famous mountain region; geologically, however, the salt is mined in the separate Salt Range
• Salt Range, Punjab, Pakistan: a belt of low mountains stretching across northern Pakistan; it was formed by the same tectonic collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates that raised the Himalayas, but it is a separate geological formation
• The Khewra mine: the main source of commercial Himalayan salt; in operation since the time of the Mughal Empire (legend has it that it was discovered by Alexander the Great's soldiers around 320 BC when they noticed their horses licking the rocks); modern industrial mining since 1872 under British colonial administration; the second largest salt mine in the world after the Sifto Salt Mine in Ontario, Canada
• Formation of the deposit: an ancient sea covering the area of today's Pakistan gradually evaporated in the geological past, leaving thick layers of halite; subsequent tectonic activity from the collision of continents raised and folded these layers into their present form

Why Himalayan salt is pink

• Iron oxide admixtures: the characteristic pink to salmon color comes from traces of iron oxides and hydroxides (especially Fe2O3 and FeO(OH)) trapped in the crystal structure of halite as it formed
• Color shades: from almost white through light pink to deep reddish brown, depending on the concentration of iron admixtures in the particular layer of the deposit
• Trace minerals: besides iron, Himalayan salt contains dozens of other trace elements – magnesium, potassium, calcium and others – in amounts orders of magnitude lower than the main component, NaCl, but sufficient to subtly influence its taste and appearance

Salt lamps – types and uses

• Tealight salt lamp: a hollowed-out block of salt with space for a tealight; warm, gentle light shining through the natural structure of the crystal; popular in feng shui as a symbol of the earth element and warmth; suitable for the bedroom, living room or meditation corner
• Electric salt lamp: a salt block with a bulb inside, usually on a solid wooden base; available in various weights and sizes; creates atmospheric warm lighting suitable for an apartment, office or bedroom
• Aesthetic value: each salt lamp is a natural original – the structure, shade and shape of the crystal vary from piece to piece
• Feng shui: in feng shui practice, salt lamps are recommended for their warm energy and earth element; they are placed in the corners of a room or in places that need their energy harmonized

• Esoteric properties of Himalayan salt

In esoteric tradition, Himalayan salt is called "the stone of purity, protection and a calm home". Salt itself has a long tradition across cultures as a symbol of purity and protection – from ancient rituals through folk customs to modern feng shui. It is traditionally credited with:

• Energetic purity of the home – its primary energy; the salt lamp as a symbol of a clean and harmonious space
• Calm and relaxation – the warm, gentle light of a salt lamp supports a relaxing atmosphere
• Protection of the home – salt as a traditional protective element across cultures
• Harmonizing the energy of a room – the feng shui earth element
• Grounding and stability – the root chakra; the earthy power of crystalline salt

Esoteric tradition describes effects on a spiritual level. Salt lamps and Himalayan salt are not medicinal or medical products and do not replace medical care. Claims that salt lamps clean the air of allergens or have an ionizing effect are not scientifically supported – the amount of ions produced by a salt lamp is negligible compared with real air ionizers.

Himalayan salt and the chakras

• 1st, root chakra (Muladhara) – primary; grounding, stability, connection with the earth
• 2nd, sacral chakra (Svadhisthana) – the warm pink color; harmony and calm

Caring for Himalayan salt and salt lamps

• Moisture: halite is hygroscopic – it naturally absorbs moisture from the air; a salt lamp may therefore "weep" slightly on its surface in a humid environment; this is a normal property of salt, not a defect
• Placement: in a dry environment a salt lamp will last longer without surface moisture; avoid very humid rooms (an unventilated bathroom)
• Cleaning: wipe with a dry cloth; never wash it with water (salt dissolves)
• Use: switching an electric lamp on regularly helps keep the surface dry thanks to the warmth of the bulb
• Storage: in a dry environment; away from direct contact with water or moisture

• Frequently asked questions about Himalayan salt

For salt lamps in our range: salt lamps – tealight and electric versions. For more home decorations: decorations and home. For feng shui accessories: feng shui. For root chakra and grounding stones: hematite or smoky quartz. For all stones: stones from A to Z.