Tips for Cutting and Polishing Halite

Halite is a very difficult material to facet, even for experts. Jeff Graham offers his advice on how to cut and polish this challenging yet tasty gemstone.

Home Learning Center Gemology The Lighter Side of GemologyTips for Cutting and Polishing Halite

By Jeff R. Graham, updated on April 1, 2025

Some lapidary experts have successfully cut and polished halite, a very challenging halide mineral to facet. This is how I do it.

The Halite Process

Stick the halite in your mouth.
Next, flush liberally with 190 proof grain alcohol (if you've got any left after the last toga party).

Halite is not only tasty but also fluorescent. These colorless halites on a shale matrix appear pinkish orange under ultraviolet light. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Cutting Remarks

Slight rounding at facet junctions may occur using this method.

For a little acid to help polish, a wedge of lemon or lime works well. Take two aspirin in the morning.

halite crystals in a mine - Germany — Be wary of consuming halites *in situ*, since they may contain admixed materials not good for your health. Consult your faceter before mixing halite and alcohol (and offer to share). Halite crystals in a mine, Merkers, Germany. Photo by Wampi. Licensed under CC By-SA 3.0.

Jeff R. Graham

The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.

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