Why Is Road Salt Pink?

Snow and ice can quickly accumulate in lower temperatures, especially in areas such as parking lots, sidewalks, etc. If you've ever seen pink salt on the ground, you might wonder if this is standard rock salt or a different type of salt. 

Sometimes, people opt to use treated salt for snow and ice treatment and this can come in many colors, including pink, green, blue, and so on. The specific color of treated salt depends on the color of dye used when making it.  

However, there are also a number of salts that are naturally a different color, usually a pinkish color. In this article we'll explore the different types of pink salt, explain how to use it, and outline its many benefits.

Types of Pink Road Salt

If you're aiming to reduce snow and ice on your property following a winter storm, you may encounter different types of pink salt. Here are various examples of pink salt that can help melt ice on your property.

United States Pink Road Salt

Some people see pink salt for snow and ice and assume that it's Egyptian salt. There is nothing wrong with Egyptian road salt and it is used often to treat concrete, asphalt, and other surfaces. In many cases, however, this product is from North America and it's the specific minerals (like calcium and magnesium chlorides) that can give the salt its particular pink color.

Egyptian Pink Salt

Egyptian rock salt has its unique color due to the geographical figures of Egypt including its lakes, dunes, salines, and marshes where you can find various minerals in the environment. 

Canadian Pink-Colored Salt

Another instance of salt not being pure white is Canadian pink-colored salt. This variety contains sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and potassium chloride which all contribute to its unique color on the roads. Trace mineral additions found in this product also contribute to its color.

Chilean Pink Salt

Chilean salt is an incredibly popular choice for de-icing, especially for roads. Thanks to its ultra-low moisture content, Chilean pink salt is less likely to clump or freeze into large chunks when the weather turns cold, making it a convenient choice when purchased in bulk. 

Himalayan Pink Salt

This is the stuff that's found in your kitchen and it is not used to treat roads and other surfaces in the winter. It gets its colors from the underground sea salt deposits that formed thousands of years ago when the ancient inland sea evaporated slowly and left behind mineral salt deposits. 

How Does Pink Road Salt Work?

Like different types of treated salt, naturally-occurring pink salt lowers the freezing point of water because of its innate minerals, including magnesium and calcium, making it ideal to treat both ice and snow on commercial and residential properties. As soon as the water reaches the temperature of 32º Fahrenheit, adding salt helps drop that temperature. 

How to Apply Pink Road Salt

Applying pink road salt is no different than applying any other salt. Ideally, you'll be able to put down the product onto the road as the snow begins to accumulate. The material is applied evenly to the surface of the road without bouncing off the road's surface. 

What Are the Benefits of Using Pink Salt for Snow and Ice Melting?

Using pink rock salt comes with various benefits that you'll want to consider. First and foremost, pink salt naturally has minerals, like calcium and magnesium, that help lower melting temperatures more than traditional rock salt. Buying pink salt in bulk is also more environmentally friendly, as it is completely natural, safe for children and animals, and is 70% less corrosive than traditional salt. Pink road salt is also perfect for roadway ice control and can help keep drivers safe even during the worst of storms. 

Difference Between Rock Salt and Pink Rock Salt

Both pink road salt and rock salt are made from one mineral: sodium chloride. The main difference between the two is that the pink variety has some natural minerals that are different from a chemical composition level. For example, some pink salt products have a mixture of magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride. These additions allow the product to be more effective at a lower freezing point compared to standard rock salt.

Another difference is how quickly each product works. Even at negative temperatures, pink rock salt is able to act quickly in breaking down the bond between the pavement and the snow and ice. Standard rock salt often needs to combine with an additive like calcium chloride to it to make it more effective.

Finally, you'll want to consider the impact on the environment of each variety. Pink road salt is considered to be more eco-friendly compared to its counterpart.

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If you're looking to find the best natural pink road salt that comes proudly from America, look no further than our offerings at Ninja De-Icer.

We offer quality products at great price points, and our products can help you reduce scatter and bounce while prioritizing safety. Whether you need one ton or 200,000 tons, our offerings are always available for either pickup or delivery. Please note that delivery times vary depending on your location. Reach out to us today to get a quote.