The solid form of raw salt is typically colorless or white. This is due to the chemical composition of sodium chloride (NaCl), which is the primary component of salt. Raw salt, also known as sea salt or rock salt, is composed of tiny sodium chloride crystals that are naturally occurring. These crystals are colorless because they do not absorb or reflect light in a way that gives them a distinct color. The coloration that some raw salts may exhibit, such as pink or brown, is often due to the presence of impurities or trace minerals within the salt, which can give it a unique hue. However, the pure form of sodium chloride remains colorless.

According to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), the ideal color for pharmaceutical-grade sodium chloride is "white, or almost white." This standard reflects the general consensus that pure sodium chloride is colorless. The color of raw salt can vary depending on its source and the presence of impurities, but the fundamental color of the sodium chloride crystals remains the same. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that the color of raw salt can range from colorless to light brown, depending on the source and the presence of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Despite these variations, the underlying sodium chloride crystals remain colorless, and any coloration is attributed to the presence of these impurities.