Sodium sulphate - also known as sodium sulfate or soda is an inorganic compound of sodium. This sodium salt form of sulfuric acid is extensively used in a wide range of industries. More than 6.5 million tons of sodium sulfate are produced each year around the world. Most are mined from the compound's natural mineral form called mirabilite, which is taken from lake beds as part of the water treatment process. Another one-third is produced as a byproduct of other processes in the chemical industry. All forms of Sodium Sulphate are white solids, which are highly soluble in water. It is mainly used for the manufacture of detergents and in the kraft process of paper pulping.