Log InRegister
Quick Links : The Mindat ManualThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryMindat Newsletter [Free Download]
Home PageAbout MindatThe Mindat ManualHistory of MindatCopyright StatusWho We AreContact UsAdvertise on Mindat
Donate to MindatCorporate SponsorshipSponsor a PageSponsored PagesMindat AdvertisersAdvertise on Mindat
Learning CenterWhat is a mineral?The most common minerals on earthInformation for EducatorsMindat ArticlesThe ElementsThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryGeologic Time
Minerals by PropertiesMinerals by ChemistryAdvanced Locality SearchRandom MineralRandom LocalitySearch by minIDLocalities Near MeSearch ArticlesSearch GlossaryMore Search Options
Search For:
Mineral Name:
Locality Name:
Keyword(s):
 
The Mindat ManualAdd a New PhotoRate PhotosLocality Edit ReportCoordinate Completion ReportAdd Glossary Item
Mining CompaniesStatisticsUsersMineral MuseumsClubs & OrganizationsMineral Shows & EventsThe Mindat DirectoryDevice SettingsThe Mineral Quiz
Photo SearchPhoto GalleriesSearch by ColorNew Photos TodayNew Photos YesterdayMembers' Photo GalleriesPast Photo of the Day GalleryPhotography

Techniques for CollectorsPrepping Black Volcanic Salt

12th Dec 2016 20:15 UTCRobert Darabos

00815000016042189772185.jpg
Was hoping for some help in cleaning/prepping this material.

Natural black salt, mined here in Huehuetenango Department, in Guatemala, possibly originally from San Mateo Ixtatan (a well known back salt location).

Some sources say this stuff is completely natural. Others that it is "made" black.

It may be Volcanic in origin, but I m not positive. (Any thoughts on that?)




It is very brittle and crushed very easily. Is there anything I can do to make it a little stronger?

04818880015660613755318.jpg

13th Dec 2016 01:38 UTCReiner Mielke Expert

Looks like dirty salt to me. Maybe inclusions of volcanic ash make it black? The only way to make it stronger is to impregnate it with a polymer of some type such as fiberglass resin or plastic resin. See also:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kala_namak

13th Dec 2016 04:11 UTCD. Peck

I think immersion in a solution of 1 part epoxy to 3 parts of toluene might do it.

15th Dec 2016 16:57 UTCRobert Darabos

Thanks, I'll try them out.


Definitely not just dirty salt. The taste is completely different. Kind of with a sulphur taste, i think,

5th May 2017 05:26 UTCAugustus Ferdinand

Fun fact

Salt is a rock
 
Mineral and/or Locality  
Mindat Discussions Facebook Logo Instagram Logo Discord Logo
Mindat.org is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2024, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: April 24, 2024 13:42:06
Go to top of page