A short lesson on rock salt

With more snow forecast across the UK, we thought it would be a good idea to have a look at rock salt and why it is used to ‘grit’ roads and paths when the weather turns icy and snowy.

Rock salt, or it’s proper name of Halite, is the mineral form of sodium chloride (NaCI). When it is mixed with water it creates brine which lowers the freezing point of water, therefore if it is put down before it snows or freezes, it will help prevent ice forming and reduce the build up of snow. It will not melt a heap of snow, but if you can shovel the worst of the snow and then put the rock salt down, it will be able to do it’s work.

The rock salt we use in this country is mined in the UK, and apparently there are over 140 miles of rock salt mine tunnels here! Blimey! 

If you do stock up on some salt over this cold spell, just remember to keep it stored somewhere dry to stop it deteriorating.