Halogenic Rocks

sedimentary rocks formed by the process of halogenesis during the crystallization of solutions.

Halogenic rocks are widely found and represent one of the main types of sedimentary rocks. Halogenic rocks are primarily made up of one or a few readily soluble salts, with an admixture of barely soluble authigenic minerals such as carbonates and a terrigenous material that has been carried to the site. The following belong to the family of halogenic rocks: halite rocks, consisting chiefly of halite (common salt); sylvinite rocks, made of halite and sylvite; carnallite rocks, made of carnallite and halite; gypsum rocks, made of gypsum; astrakhanite rocks, made of astrakhanite and halite; sodium carbonate, made of soda, mirabilite, and sometimes halite; polymineral rocks, made of langbeinite, kainite, kieserite, silvite, halite, and polyhalite; and other substances. Halogenic rocks typically show a low resistance to external agents, especially water. They are easily dissolved and destroyed. Halogenic rocks are sometimes also called saline rocks or evaporite rocks.