The correct answer is A. Halite. Halite is a mineral composed of sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as salt. It is the mineral form of common salt or table salt and is the principal mineral constituent of salt lakes and the oceans. It is a chloride salt and is the salt most responsible for the salinity of the ocean and of saline lakes, and is the major constituent of many “salt flats” around the world.
B. Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral with the chemical formula FeS2. It is the most common sulfide mineral. Pyrite is an important ore of iron and is also used as a gemstone. It is a cubic crystal with a metallic luster. It is often called “fool’s gold” because it can be mistaken for gold.
C. Galena is a lead sulfide mineral with the chemical formula PbS. It is the most important ore of lead. Galena is a cubic crystal with a metallic luster. It is often black or lead-gray in color.
D. Hematite is an iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula Fe2O3. It is the most common iron ore. Hematite is a red, brown, or black mineral. It is often used as a pigment in paint and cosmetics.