Dead Sea Salt Formations | Dead Sea

Information

Landmark: Dead Sea Salt Formations
City: Dead Sea
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Dead Sea Salt Formations, Dead Sea, Jordan, Asia

The salt formations of the Dead Sea coast are naturally occurring mineral precipitates located along the receding shoreline of the terminal lake. These structures are the result of extreme hypersalinity and high evaporation rates within the Jordan Rift Valley.

Visual Characteristics

The formations appear as white or translucent crystalline deposits in various geometries. Common structures include "salt mushrooms"-columns with flat, circular tops-and "salt pearls," which are spherical crystals found in shallow pools. The texture ranges from smooth, glass-like crusts to jagged, razor-sharp edges. In areas with high concentrations of magnesium or bromine, the salt may display faint pink or yellow hues.

Location & Access Logistics

Primary formations are accessible via the Dead Sea Highway (Route 65) in Jordan or Route 90 in Israel. In Jordan, the densest concentrations are located 15km to 30km south of the main hotel zone, near the Zara Hot Springs area. Access requires parking in dirt pull-offs along the highway and descending steep, unpaved embankments. In Israel, the most prominent formations are located near the Ein Bokek hotel strip, accessible via public beaches or marked walking paths.

Historical & Ecological Origin

These formations are geological evaporites. As the Dead Sea water level recedes-currently at a rate of approximately 1.1 meters per year-the water becomes oversaturated with sodium chloride. When the water can no longer hold the salt in solution, it precipitates onto submerged rocks or the lake bed. This process has accelerated significantly since the 1960s due to the diversion of the Jordan River, which previously provided freshwater dilution to the basin.

Key Highlights & Activities

Shoreline trekking is the primary method for viewing the various crystal types. Photography is highly productive due to the high contrast between the white salt and turquoise water. In shallow areas, visitors can observe "salt crusting" on objects left in the water. Caution is required as the crystalline edges are sharp enough to puncture standard footwear; thick-soled water shoes are necessary for traversing these zones.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is zero formal infrastructure at the natural formation sites located outside of the resort zones. No restrooms, shade, or freshwater stations are available. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable due to the open topography of the basin. Visitors must carry sufficient freshwater, as salt crystallization on the skin causes immediate irritation and dehydration.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for viewing is during the dry summer months (June to September) when evaporation rates are highest and formations are most robust. For photography, the first hour after sunrise provides low-angle light that emphasizes the texture of the crystals without the harsh glare of the midday sun. Visiting during high-wind events is discouraged as salt spray can damage equipment and irritate eyes.

Facts & Legends

A local physical phenomenon known as "dead sea snow" occurs when salt crystals precipitate so rapidly that they fall through the water column like snowflakes. A specific safety tip for this terrain: avoid "salt chimneys" that appear solid but may be hollow or brittle; they often sit atop sinkholes (uvalas) caused by freshwater dissolving subterranean salt layers, which can collapse without warning.