Ancient salt construction blocks - what archaeological detection systems?

Question

We can grow salt crystalline structures as large as we care to, and ancient tech permitted very large crystals to be grown. In a totally arid desert with minimal rainfall, a structural block of salt could last for decades. Using modern coatings, could last for centuries. It becomes the most inexpensive structural component, is easily shaped/contoured, and is hugely strong under distributed load (point loads would quickly fracture). Discussion is, what realm of archaeology site survey science would detect if structural salt was used? What might remain in higher abundance or altered permanently by high-saline & high pressure environments for decades? What could we study to prove/disprove ancient walls or pillars of salt?

science_joe_2000 · Answer

Additional thoughts: a block grown near a sea would include traits of its source, and these blocks would be transported to dry areas or covered with skins against rain. For desert sites holding high saline samples and evidence that up to now indicated transported seawater, this may be a viable alternative model. 
For modern day, desalinization industry might retail grown blocks as cash-cow by-product.

JimZ · Answer

I suppose you could look at how it failed.  If it looks like there are "invisible" structures that held up previous structures, that might give you a clue.  In addition, the salt wouldn't be pure so there might be microscopic traces of the impure portions remaining.  It would be a tough thing to look for.

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Ancient salt construction blocks - what archaeological detection systems?

2 Answers