The main purpose of this study is to analyze various rock salt sources to determine the existing
composition of rock salt. The results will then be compared to the chemical composition of the
salt produced from Shale Gas Extraction Wastewater (SGEW) evaporation. Naturally occurring
rock salt was formed from the evaporation of inland seas. Its primary constituents are sodium,
chloride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfate. Rock salt generally contains between 90
to 98% sodium chloride. The salt content in SGEW may exceed 200,000 mg/l or approximately
7 times saltier than sea water.