Table salt is the only mineral that humans eat every day.

Table salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), is the only rock-based mineral that is a staple of the human diet. While we consume other minerals like iron or calcium, they are typically found within organic matter or supplements rather than eaten as pure minerals. In its natural crystalline form, it is known as halite and forms through the evaporation of seawater or terminal saline lakes.The biological necessity of salt is rooted in the 'sodium-potassium pump' mechanism within our cells. This process maintains the electrochemical gradient required for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should consume less than 5 grams of salt per day to maintain healthy blood pressure levels while still supporting these vital functions.The historical significance of salt is immense due to its role as a preservative before refrigeration. The Roman historian Pliny the Elder noted that Roman soldiers were sometimes paid in salt, a practice known as 'salarium.' This Latin term eventually evolved into the English word 'salary.' This economic value led to the creation of the 'Via Salaria' or Salt Road, one of the most famous ancient roads in Italy.Modern production of salt involves either solar evaporation or deep-shaft mining of ancient underground salt deposits. These deposits were formed millions of years ago when prehistoric seas dried up, leaving behind massive layers of halite. Today, the United States and China are the world's leading producers, extracting millions of tons annually for both culinary and industrial use.