In these specimens the cubic cleavage shows up well, as well as the clear nature of the crystals and the luster.

 

NaCl

Cubic Cleavage; salty taste; colorless; clear, or tints of other colors; hardness = 2-2.5;

 

 

  

The cubic cleavage is not so obvious here because there is more than one crystal intergrown. Still, if you could taste this specimen there would be no doubt it is halite, or turning it over in your hands you would find evidence of the cubic cleavage. For example the Next Image is the same specimen from a different view, and some of the cleavage can be seen in the upper left.

 

 

 

 

Another Sample

 

 

This specimen has been partially dissolved in water, so the nice crystal faces, edges, and corners have been masked. Commonly we find less than perfect specimens, and they must be identified by careful examination of their physical properties.