Over the years, Himalayan salt lamps have become increasingly popular. They’re usually a staple in home décor magazines, beauty parlors, and spas.
The radiant light they give off brings character and ambiance to any room they’re placed in, so it should be no surprise that they’re used as decorative pieces.
These lamps are carved out of rock salts mined from areas surrounding the Himalayas. They’re hollowed out in order to fit a light bulb inside.
Although Himalayan salt lamps are aesthetically pleasing, the visuals aren’t their only appeal.
People are drawn to them because of the claims that they’re able to provide various health benefits.
They also come in an assortment of colors based on the crystal they are made of. Salt lamps that give off a blend of pink and orange lighting are usually the more common ones, but you can also typically find red, white, and grey salt lamps.
Before learning about what those different colored Himalayan Salt Lamps can do, it can help to understand how exactly they can give off a specific color.
How Himalayan Salt Lamps Get Their Color
The color variations of the Himalayan salt rocks are caused by the presence of iron and over eighty other minerals infused within the salt crystal.
The richness of the oranges, pinks, and reds that appear in the crystal depends on the richness of the iron content.
For instance, the Selenite mineral, which is commonly white, turns into a bright orange when the iron is present.
Likewise, the gemstone Amethyst becomes Citrine over time after it has been heated, pressured, and infused with iron. Citrine possesses a light yellow to darker orange color, which drastically differs from the purple hue of an amethyst.
Knowing how Himalayan salt lamps get the variations in their colors can help you better appreciate the difference between what each Himalayan salt lamp can do, depending on their color.
What Do White, Red & Grey Salt Lamps Do
With Himalayan salt lamp colors varying depending on the type of crystal used in manufacturing them, it’s no surprise that this assortment of colored salt lamps also comes with varying uses and purposes.
White Salt Lamps
You can rarely find white Himalayan salt lamps in the market, so they’re usually priced a bit higher and cost more than regular salt lamps.
This type of salt lamp uses a white crystal salt that was discovered in the outer parts of the salt mine. It has significantly lower iron content than other crystal salts, which explains its color.
White Himalayan salt lamps are a lot brighter than other colored salt lamps, so they’re better suited for rooms needing extra light, such as dining rooms, home offices, or living rooms with poor lighting.
According to color therapy, white salt lamps greatly help relieve any physical or emotional issues that you might be experiencing. When heated, it also releases negative ions purifying the surrounding air.
Many people have described how the bright light coming from white Himalayan salt lamps has been energizing and does a great job of uplifting the senses.
Red Salt Lamps
The light from a red Himalayan salt lamp brings a different mood compared to the white Himalayan salt lamp. Because of its darker hue, it provides a mysterious glow and profound and extreme tones to any room that it is put in.
Red salt lamps are made out of crystals mined from a similar salt vein to their orange and pink counterparts. But these crystals end up containing a higher content of iron which gives it its rich red hue.
Sourcing a darker shade Himalayan salt lamp can be challenging because they’re typically sold with regular lamps and are only considered a darker version of a specific model.
When buying a salt lamp with a more profound hue, it’s recommended to purchase them in a large size.
This is because larger salt lamps end up having more depth of salt crystals for salt light bulbs to be placed inside.
It then causes an increase in the darker colors in the light that they emit, giving off a more profound-hued salt light.
Red gives off a vital, passionate, warming energy in color therapy. The color often increases energy, enhances motivation, and boosts circulation for better health.
Grey Salt Lamps
Found in the Bahadur Khel salt mine in Pakistan, the Grey Himalayan salt lamps are even rarer and more unusual than their white counterparts.
Their darker color is caused by the high iron, magnesium, and sulfur content infused in their salt crystals.
Although they have a darker hue, they tend to give off a much softer glow than the white or pink salt lamps.
They’re better suited for placing in your bedroom, especially when you prefer not to have too much light. They could also work as a night light in a child’s bedroom.
When purchasing a grey salt lamp, it’s better to be cautious when looking for cheaper ones as they often end up being fake, unlikely to last long, and even often dangerous.
One advantage of a grey salt lamp is that they tend to get warmer much more quickly than other salt lamps of a different shade due to their darker color.
The extra heat is good for increasing the hygroscopic effect of the lamp, enhancing their air-cleaning properties. This is also why you’re better off placing them in the bedroom.
Of course, the variations of colored Himalayan salt lamps aren’t only limited to the three mentioned above.
Other Salt Lamp Colors
Himalayan salt lamps also come in other colors such as blue, purple, orange, and more – all similarly lit using a colored bulb found within the salt light.
Blue and purple Himalayan salt lamps also seem popular and sought after by many people. They give off an alternative feel and tone that’s particularly distinct.
Orange salt lamps give off a warm and soothing glow and are often used in color therapy to provide relaxation, calmness, and positivity. The glow of the orange salt lamp is also said to help you sleep.
The orange salt lamps are perfect for helping you relax and unwind after a long and stressful day.
The pink rock salt lamps typically have fewer minerals than the other colored salt lamps, aside from the white ones.
They come in smaller sizes but can still radiate a bright glow. You can usually find them being placed on dining room tables or living rooms that need extra light.
A pink Himalayan salt lamp signifies kindness, peace, and love. The color often produces a calming and soothing effect on both the body and the mind.
Final Words
A pink or white salt lamp will probably be your best choice if you want to feel more positivity, motivation, and energy. Salt lamps with a brighter shade often help with that.
They’re also ideally placed in the home office, dining room, or living room.
On the other hand, if you want something more relaxing and soothing, you can opt for a darker red or a grey salt lamp.
These salt lamps emit a softer glow that makes the area feel more comfortable. It’s suited for lounge rooms or any room where you usually relax.
Regardless of the color of the Himalayan salt lamp you choose, they’re still rich in minerals and can provide you with a decent amount of health benefits.
Picking the best Himalayan salt lamp color will depend entirely on your needs and preferences at the end of the day.
