Different minerals of evaporitic origin (halite [NaCl], gypsum [CaS[O.sub.4] x 2[H.sub.2]O], epsomite [MgS[O.sub.4] x 7[H.sub.2]O], and chloromagne-site [Mg[Cl.sub.2]]) were found within the argillites in boreholes drilled in the spring's area [10].
During glacial periods, when there was a drop in global temperatures, expansion of ice around the polar regions and a drop in oceanic sea level and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, there was dilution of the lake, accompanied by the dissolution of Halite salt.
All phases were identified in this sample; they are halite [NaCl], thermonatrite [[Na.sub.2](C[O.sub.3])[H.sub.2]O], and natrite [[Na.sub.2](C[O.sub.3])].
The Na-Cl-type indicated the presence of high chloride concentrations in the aquifer which may originate from the dissolution of halite, influx of sewage or waste water, and mainly intrusion of sea water [40].
Within the Meyal Oil Field wells, the Chorgali Formation is dominated by dolostone, dolostone associated with evaporites (gypsum, anhydrite, halite), minor limestone and shale intercalations.
Official sources told reporter during a visit to the saltmine here on Thursday that the reserves contain rock salt in the form of halite (98 percent) and is said to be of pre-Cambrian age.