Why Is Halite Not A Gem?
Why Is Halite Not A Gem? Natural salts like halite (NaCl) and gypsum (CaSO4) are soft minerals (not suitable for gems because they scratch or fracture easily, and can dissolve in water; see Figures 1-6 and 1-7). Metals are held together by metallic bonds. Is halite a gem? Halite, also known as stone salt, is