Minor Elements in Kansas Salt

Abstract

Mine run salt from three underground workings, raw brine, and some prepared salt products were examined spectrochemically for elements occurring in trace amounts. One mineral was isolated and determined to be a potassium-bearing mineral, tentatively identified as polyhalite (K₂SO₄·MgSO₄·2CaSO₄·2H₂O). This mineral has not been reported previously from samples of commercially mined Kansas salt. One other mineral was isolated and identified as celestite (SrSO₄). This mineral occurs with anhydrite in the ratio of 1:0.129 (CaSO₄ x 0.129=SrSO₄). The red color sometimes found in commercially mined rock salt usually accompanies the celestite but has not been directly associated with the celestite. This red material has been shown not to be Fe₂O₃, as might be suggested by the color.