Difference between Sea Salt and Rock Salt

Key Difference: Sea salt is obtained by evaporating sea water. Rock salt is obtained in the form of mineral known as halite. Sea salt is available in the form of fine grains or large crystals. On the other hand rock salt is a large crystal salt.

Sea and rock are two different types of salts. Actually, all salts contain sodium chloride. Sea salt is derived from the sea water, and therefore it is known as sea water. It is obtained by hydrating sea water generally under the sun. There is always a possibility of impurities to get mixed up with sea salt. Therefore, pure water and filtration methods are used for obtaining sea salt containing fewer impurities.

It mainly consists of 30.59 percent of sodium ion and 55.03 percent of Chloride ion along with other ions like Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, etc. Sea salt is generally added for a pungent type of flavor. Flaked sea salt provides a complex flavor.

Rock salt is another type of salt which is obtained in the form of the mineral ‘halite’. It also contains NaCl, but also has some impurities of gypsum and sylvite. It is found in a solid form, and as it is found in the form of mineral, it is mined. These deposits of rack salt are found in dry lake beds, enclosed bay, and estuaries in arid regions.

Sea salt and rock salt are therefore different from each other. As sea salt is derived from sea water it tends to carry the flavor or tang of the ocean. Sea salt is generally used as general-purpose salt. Rock salt is available in different variety of sizes. It is very cheap and therefore is used when a large amount of salt is required. Flavor of rock salt is stronger than the mild flavor of sea salt.

Comparison between Sea Salt and Rock Salt:

	Sea Salt	Rock Salt
Definition	It is derived by evaporating sea water	It is in the form of a mineral
Location	It is generally imported from the Mediterranean Sea	It is generally mined in the United States
Texture	Crystalline salt can be in fine or coarse form. Flake sea salt is in the form of sheer and pyramid like flakes. Its color can range from white, pink, black, gray or any other, depending upon the place it comes from and types of impurities	Large and chunky non-uniform crystals. It may exhibit a greyish color due to impurities
Usage	Used in food. Used in spa treatments, pedicures, etc. It is also used for preserving meats and seafood	Generally used where a large amount of salt is required like for making ice creams and dicing. It is not preferred to be used directly on food
Sea salt	Mild favor	Strong flavor