Raw salt can have a color due to impurities and minerals present in the salt before it is refined. The color can range from white to gray, brown, or even pink, depending on the source of the salt and the level of refinement.

The primary reason for the color in raw salt is the presence of impurities and minerals. For example, pink salt, also known as Himalayan pink salt, gets its color from the iron oxide and clay minerals found in the salt deposits. These minerals are naturally occurring and give the salt its distinctive hue. Similarly, gray salt, which is often found in coastal regions, can have a gray color due to the presence of clay and other minerals in the saltwater from which it is extracted. Brown salt, on the other hand, can be a result of the salt being mixed with other minerals during the evaporation process.

According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, the color of salt can also be influenced by the type of rock from which it is derived. For instance, salt from evaporated seawater tends to be white, while salt from underground deposits can have a variety of colors depending on the minerals present in the rock. The refinement process also plays a role in determining the color of the salt. Refined salt is typically white because the impurities and minerals are removed during the purification process.

The color of raw salt is not only visually appealing but can also provide clues about its origin and mineral content. For instance, pink salt is often associated with health benefits due to its high mineral content, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium. In contrast, refined salt is typically stripped of these minerals, leading to concerns about its health effects.

In conclusion, the color of raw salt is a result of impurities and minerals present in the salt before it is refined. The specific color can vary depending on the source of the salt and the level of refinement, providing both aesthetic and nutritional information about the salt.