Khewra Salt Mines
The oldest and largest salt mine in the entire region, Khewra is a very popular tourist attraction today. There are over 25 miles of developed mines, with working levels and tunnels. The salt crystal in this mine varies from dark red, reddish, pink, white, and even transparent. Unfortunately, the Khewra mining process involves using explosives, which causes numerous accidents and safety issues; it can also destroy the crystalline integrity of the crystal and disrespects the environment. Even more, working and living conditions for miners and their families here have not always been seen as fair.
The oldest mine in the world is Wieliczka, Poland, 7.5 miles outside Krakow.
Kalabagh Salt Mines
The Kalabagh mines are found along the Indus River, near the village known as Wanda Kukranwala. Here you can find 13 different types of salt levels, all colors in various shades. Room-and-pillar method mining is still practiced here and is manually done. Some individual chambers in this mine are 260 feet in depth! Warcha Salt Mines
The salt deposit in this mine is very crystalline and transparent, making it very popular for fine, edible, flowing salt used for cooking and dining. This occurs as another dome-like structure, although broken, and the salt crystal is white and pink for the most part. Room-and-pillar mining method used here too.
The Jatta salt mines are one of the youngest. They are believed to date back to the Tertiary period (26 to 66 million years ago), however there is still some debate to it's exact time of formation. The salt of this mine ranges from white to light/dark gray. These are often considered blue in colour; and as lamps, these emit less light due to density and color; appearing in varied shades of blue, green, white, and yellow. The colouring of salt crystal is allopathic and is determined by mineral content. Red is created by iron, yellow is from magnesium. It is the mixture of these which creates our lamps' orange, fiery colors; as well as pale yellows, soft peach, and apricot shades.