Evaporites: commonly stratified crystalline sedimentary rocks formed from sediments deposited through the evaporation of seawater or freshwater containing naturally dissolved mineral salts. Evaporation reduces the water volume, increasing solute concentration beyond saturation levels and promoting mineral deposition—especially when the amount of evaporated water exceeds the input from recharge sources such as rain, springs, or rivers. Evaporites include about 100 mineral species, with roughly a dozen being common. The most abundant are carbonates (Calcite, Dolomite, Magnesite, Aragonite), sulfates such as Anhydrite and Gypsum, and chlorides like Halite, Sylvite, and Carnallite. Numerous borates, silicates, nitrates, and other minerals are also present. Evaporite deposits can form in both marine environments (Marine Evaporites) and continental settings (Continental Evaporites).
