δ34S and Geochemical Analyses for the Determination of, and Discrimination between, Salt Samples of Different Geographic Origin: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

The geographic origin of salt is usually regarded as unimportant, as it is a one-quality product produced in vast quantities. However, certain salt brands, especially sea salt (fleur de sel), are sold at significantly higher prices. Thus, it is necessary to control the declared geographic origin of salt. Such controls are already frequently carried out for foodstuffs, but salt is an inorganic commodity. Thus, δ34S analysis combined with element concentration analysis was carried out. The results show very similar δ34S values for all sea salt samples, which is to be expected due to the homogenous marine δ34S value. Still, slightly higher values have been found in Mediterranean salt samples. Rock salt samples show differing δ34S values depending on the time they were formed, and if the salt samples are of marine or terrestrial origin. Terrestrial/continental salt samples are characterized by elemental patterns significantly differing from marine ones. However, within marine samples (sea salt and rock salt) there also exist differences enabling the differentiation of samples.