Himalayan Salt Lamp Buying Guide

Color

Salt colors run in veins deep inside the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. The typical vein colors are white, pink, orange, and red. Therefore, the color of a Himalayan Salt Crystal Lamp depends on what vein it was mined from.

The following is important to remember:
White salt lamps are rare. Some people like white lamps because of their rareness and also because they emit maximum light. Others find them too bright and feel that they lack the milder ambience of the more common darker shades of Himalayan lamps.

Pink salt lamps can be attractive, but beware if the lamp is too light of a shade of pink and if it is brittle and/or if it has dark or black marks on it. This can be an indication that the lamp is mined from an inferior section of the earth and not from the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. Stay with darker shades of pink, as it is typically an indication of a better lamp.

Orange salt lamps are usually the favorite among individuals. They seem to emit the warmest glow. They are not too bright and not too dark and are usually a sign of a quality crystal. They typically represent the perfect balance in a lamp.

Red salt lamps can be attractive, but if they are too dark, they can block most of the light of the bulb and take away from the attractiveness of the lamp. Let it be known, however, that some people prefer darker lamps for their bedroom, so they are not disturbed by the light when they sleep and they can leave it on all night to enjoy its ionizing effects.

In addition to color being important for the shade of the lamp, it is also important in effecting mood. It is said that:

• White - represents healing, cleansing, and detoxification
• Pink - stimulates emotion, love, and sense of partnership
• Orange - helps the nervous system and activates the kidneys and bladder
• Red - promotes circulation and activates the heart

What size for what room?

The biggest differentiating factor of a salt lamp is its weight. Typically, the heavier the lamp, the bigger it is, and the broader its ionization properties. The bigger the room, the bigger the lamp should be.

However heavier lamps is impractical as it is not mobile and changing the light bulbs can be difficult. In addition to size determining the efficiency of ionization, so does the number of lamps. Spreading multiple medium sized lamps throughout a room will yield the most positive effect, as this will keep the ion flow in the air more effectively. Below is a guide to the number of standard size salt lamps that are require in a certain size room.

• 1 salt lamp -- 8x8 sq. feet (work cubicle)
• 1 salt lamp -- 10x10 sq. feet (small bedroom)
• 1-2 salt lamp -- 12x12 sq. feet (large bedroom)
• 2 salt lamp -- 14x14 sq. feet (living room)
• 2-3 salt lamp -- 20x20 sq. feet (recreational room)
• 3-4 salt lamp -- 30x30 sq. feet (joined rooms & commercial spaces)

Sometimes it is best to purchase a package which includes multiple lamps so they can be spread out throughout the house for optimal beauty and ionization. Ideally for whole house protection, place salt lamps at the four corners of the house at every floors.

Caring for Your Salt Lamp

Salt lamps are relatively low-maintenance, with one exception: they dissolve in the presence of water. For this reason it must always be lighted and not switch off or it may begin to dissolve, depositing salt around its base. Always keep spare bulbs which will last 2-3 months and will last longer if it is not frequently switch on and off.

Keeping the lamp turned on most of the time will prevent water damage from normal low levels of humidity. If a salt lamp will be sitting unused for any length of time, cover it with a plastic bag or other cover to prevent damage.

The salt lamp will accumulate some dust. Cleaning can be carefully done with a dry or a slightly damp cloth if the lamp is turned on immediately after, but avoid excess moisture.