Himalayan salt facts for kids
Himalayan salt is a type of rock salt found in the Punjab region of Pakistan. This area is close to the Himalayas. However, the salt is often incorrectly advertised as coming directly from the Himalayas themselves.
Many people claim that Himalayan salt has special health benefits. But there is no scientific proof to support these claims.
Contents
The Story of Himalayan Salt
How the Salt Formed
Himalayan salt comes from an ancient sea that existed about 250 million years ago. This was during the Permian and Cretaceous periods. Over time, this sea became trapped and slowly dried up. As the water evaporated, it left behind a thick layer of salt.
Tiny pink living things, called microorganisms, lived in this ancient sea. They helped give the salt its famous pink color. Over millions of years, this salt layer was pushed up by Earth's movements. It became part of the mountain ranges in Pakistan.
When Salt Mining Began
People say that Alexander the Great's troops discovered this salt around 326 BC. Their horses were seen licking the salty rocks while resting. Salt was likely mined from that time. However, the first clear records of mining are from the Janjua people in the 1200s.
Where the Salt is Mined
Most Himalayan salt is mined at the Khewra Salt Mine. This mine is in Khewra, Jhelum District, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is located in the foothills of the Salt Range hill system.
The mine is about 310 kilometers (193 miles) from the main Himalayas. It is also about 260 kilometers (162 miles) from Lahore.
What is Himalayan Salt Made Of?
Himalayan salt is mostly like regular table salt. But it also contains small amounts of other minerals. These minerals include iron, zinc, and copper.
These extra minerals are what give some Himalayan salt its unique colors. It can be off-white, transparent, pink, reddish, or even beet-red. Some salt from this area needs to be cleaned before it can be used for food or in factories. This is because of these natural impurities.
How People Use Himalayan Salt
In Food and Cooking
Himalayan salt is used to add flavor to food, just like regular table salt. There is no scientific proof that it is healthier than common table salt.
Large blocks of this salt are also used as special serving dishes. People also use them as baking stones or griddles for cooking.
Salt Lamps and Decorations
A salt lamp is a big salt crystal, often pink or orange. It has an electric light or candle inside. Many people claim these lamps have health benefits. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Salt is also sold as large, flat "rock panels." These are used to decorate special salt rooms or chambers.
Images for kids
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Himalayan salt (coarse)
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Himalayan salt
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Himalayan salt crystals
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Salt lamp
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See also
In Spanish: Sal del Himalaya para niños
