* Sodium (Na): A soft, silvery-white metal that is highly reactive.

* Chloride (Cl): A greenish-yellow, highly reactive gas.

When combined, these elements form the ionic compound sodium chloride, which is the mineral we commonly know as salt.

While the primary minerals are sodium and chloride, some salt varieties may contain trace amounts of other minerals such as:

* Potassium

* Magnesium

* Calcium

* Sulfate

* Iodine

These trace minerals can contribute to the flavor and color of different salt varieties.