General information about Rock
Salt |
Geologically, natural rock salt formed around 260
million years ago at a time when seas and salt-water lagoons evapourated,
leaving the salt content of the water behind in extensive "salt
flats" (some
of which were 1500 or more metres deep).
Because of this process
of formation, rock salt is classified as an "evaporite", together
with other similarly formed minerals such as rock gypsum and phosphate
rocks. |
The most common colours of rock salt include colourless, white,
orange, red and yellow. These (non-white, non-colourless) shades
are due to the presence of trace elements in the basic salt structure.
These trace elements typically include iron and manganese, which
give rise to the beautiful shades of reds, yellows, peach, and
orange shades observed in both the lamps and the tea-light (cande)
holders. |
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Today natural rock salt is mined at depths of approx. 1200 metres
in order to obtain uncontaminated natural rock salt. The extraction
of locks of rock salt from such depths is big business because
the rock salt has many uses/applications. |
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The ionising properties of
Rock Salt Lamps & Tea-Lights |
Laboratory tests have demonstrated that rock salt
lamps and tea-light holders can improve the quality of the surrounding
air. |
The quality of the air we breathe is important for many reasons
and functions and improving it can aid breathing, quality of relaxation
and sleep, reduce the symptoms of asthma, and even ease the stresses
of the day. |
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When warmed, rock salt lamps and tea-light holders release
negative ions - which are airborne particles in the air with
a very slight negative electrical charge. This has the effect
of reducing the quantity of positive ions in the air. (Positive
ions may be released by some modern electrical appliances and
are thought by some to have subtle harmful effects - sorry
we do not have any articles about these at the moment.)
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The sensation of breathing such slightly ionised air may
be best explained by comparison with the "fresh" smell
of outside air after rainfall, or near a waterfall. These lamps
won't cause you to smell grass in your living room, but there's
a nice gentle freshness that's difficult to describe in words
but readily appreciated when experienced.
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Selecting the ideal size
of Rock Salt Lamp |
The quantity of negative ions emitted by a lamp
or tea-light holder is approximately proportional to its size (or
more accurately, it's surface area).
Therefore when selecting a
lamp for the purpose of ionising the air in a room or other space
the following scale of lamp sie to area is suggested. |
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2.3 |
kg is suitable for 10 square metres. |
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4 - 6 |
kg is suitable for 15 square metres. |
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6 - 10 |
kg is suitable for 20 square metres. |
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12 - 20 |
kg is suitable for 25 square metres. |
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28 - 40 |
kg is suitable for 30 square metres.
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In some areas it may be preferable to use two smaller
lamps rather than one larger one.
This is appropriate and in such cases the total size of both lamps
should be considered when selecting the sizes of lamps that are
ideal for the area.
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Information about the electrical components
of Rock Salt Lamps |
Lamps (also known colloquially as "bulbs") |
The lamps ("bulbs") used in these light fittings are screw thread
15-45 watt lamps.
Coloured or plain (colourless) lamps may be used and can be easily
replaced by withdrawing the holder from the sturdy wooden base.
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Electric Cables & Plugs |
These light fittings are constructed using UK manufactured
electric cables and plugs. |
Certification |
The Rock Salt Lamps sold on this website have been
tested and approved in the UK, hold the Brtish Standard of Certification
and CE Certification. |
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Use and care of Rock Salt Lamps
and Tea-Light Holders |
Due to the chemical/mineral structure of rock salt,
these lamps and tea-light holders should not be used or stored
in areas of high humidity, or allowed to get wet. If this does
happen and the rock salt gets wet, gentle warming is usually sufficient
to re-dry the rock salt, returning it to its usual state.
Switching on the lamp or lighting a candle in the holder should
be sufficient to gently re-dry the rock salt,
however, care must be taken to ensure that the electrical fittings are completely
dry. |
To clean these lamps / tea-light holders, simply use a dr cloth
or light bristled brush as needed. |
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Any other questions
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If you have any further questions about these or other
products featured on this website please email sales@ivyrose.co.uk.
We will be pleased to respond promptly. |
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