If you are looking for a way to purify the air in your home, a Himalayan salt lamp may be the perfect solution. These lamps use natural Himalayan salt to ionize and purify the air, while giving off a soothing pink or orange glow. However, there are many different options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

One Large Rock of Salt

A Himalayan salt lamp that is made from one large, rough cut of salt is a popular option for its natural shape and warm, fire-like glow. A well-made salt lamp in this style has a lot of surface area, so it is sure to give off quite a few negative ions. However, the challenge with this type of lamp comes with shipping. Depending on the quality of the salt used to make this type of lamp, the final product can be very brittle and prone to cracking. If you are planning to purchase this type of salt lamp online, make sure that you buy it from a reputable company that takes extra precautions in shipping.

Bowl of Smaller Pieces

One way of getting around the challenge of having your salt block crack during shipping is to purchase a lamp that is made up of several smaller pieces of rock salt, placed in a metal basket. The large surface area of the salt pieces make it possible for this type of salt lamp to be particularly effective at ionization. However, because salt naturally attracts moisture from the air, the salt water that condenses on the crystals can cause the metal holder to rust. Over time, this can occasionally require you to replace the metal holder.

Carved Shape Lamp

A more modern approach to the salt lamp is to purchase one that has been carved into a particular shape. This can add visual interest to a desk or shelf. However, the lower surface area of the salt makes it less effective at ionization, and the lighter colors of these pieces exist because the salt has less of the iron ore that makes Himalayan salt so precious. The lack of iron in these pieces of salt also make them more brittle, and easy to break. So, if you decide that this is the type of salt lamp that you are interested in, make sure that it is close to your work area when you plug it in, and make sure that there is no chance that someone could bump it, causing it to break.

Candle Holder

Another interesting approach to salt lamps is the Himalayan salt candle holder. This type of candle holder is generally carved from a solid piece of Himalayan salt, and is designed to house a small votive candle or tea light. Because there is no need for a cord, this type of salt lamp is easily transported to different areas of the home. However, when you purchase this type of salt lamp, make sure that the hole for the candle to fit in is actually deeper than the candle is tall. This will allow for the salt to heat up, improving the effectiveness of the candle holder. Also, make sure that you place this type of candle holder on a plate or trivet in order to protect your tabletop surfaces from the condensation that forms on the salt.

Purchasing a Himalayan salt lamp is a great way to purify the air in your home. By choosing the style that best suits your needs, you can enjoy cleaner air for years to come.