Sodium chloride (NaClcap N a cap C l𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙) is a common chemical in New Zealand, naturally occurring in seawater and mineral deposits like the Lake Grassmere saltworks. It is a widely used mineral and chemical compound, essential for life and with applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and various industrial and personal care products across New Zealand.
Natural occurrence in New Zealand
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Lake Grassmere:New Zealand has solar salt production at Lake Grassmere, where salt is harvested from evaporation ponds to produce large mounds of sodium chloride crystals.
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Seawater:As sea salt, it is the primary mineral in ocean water, with New Zealand’s surrounding seas being a natural source.
Industrial and commercial uses
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Pharmaceuticals:High-purity “Pure Dried Vacuum” (PDV) salt is used in manufacturing products that need to meet pharmacopoeia standards.
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Food and beverage:It is used as a food seasoning and stabilizer. Calcium chloride, which is also a chemical, is often added to foods like cheese and canned goods to increase saltiness without adding sodium, as noted by NZ Chemical Suppliers.
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Personal care:It is used in products like body washes and soaps to improve texture and hardness.
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Industrial:It is used as an abrasive, thickener, and stabilizer in cleaning products.
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Chemical analysis:It is sold as a standard solution for calibration and testing in labs, such as those provided by Hach New Zealand.
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