Since ancient times, salt has been a precious mineral. It was once traded ounce per ounce for gold and has even been used as a currency in Roman times. The word ôsalaryö has its meaning based on the important role salt (sa-le in Italian) has played throughout history. Salt is a natural product. It is either mined from the ground or is obtained through evaporated seawater. Alessi Sea Salt comes from the cool, blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea using the oldest method of obtaining salt; evaporation. Sea water is transferred through a series of evaporation ponds which successfully eliminate other elements. The hot, dry climate and gentle breezes hasten the evaporation process leaving behind only pure white crystals and other valuable trace minerals not found in regular salt.