Salt is primarily a mineral composed of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound made of the elements sodium and chlorine

. In everyday use, especially as a food seasoning, it is known as table salt. Naturally, salt occurs as the crystalline mineral halite or rock salt

. Chemically, salt is an ionic compound consisting of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) held together by ionic bonds, forming a neutral compound

. Sodium chloride is the most common example, with sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). Salts generally form crystalline structures and have properties such as high melting points and electrical conductivity when melted or dissolved

. Salt is essential for life, providing dietary sodium and chlorine necessary for biological functions like fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function

. It has been used historically for food preservation, seasoning, and trade, and continues to have numerous industrial applications including chemical manufacturing, water treatment, and metallurgy

. In summary, salt is both a specific compound (sodium chloride) and a broader class of ionic compounds formed by acid-base reactions, with vital roles in nutrition, industry, and culture.