The mineral used to make salt is called halite, which is a naturally occurring form of sodium chloride (NaCl). Halite forms through the evaporation of saline water and is commonly found in salt deposits worldwide. When mined or harvested, halite can be processed and refined to produce table salt, which is widely used in cooking, food preservation, and various industrial applications. Apart from culinary purposes, salt has significant historical value, having been a trade commodity and a vital seasoning throughout human history.