There was an ancient Mesopotamian tradition that survived into Arab cultures with the expression “miḥāsh” - “the burnt ones”.

A sacred fire called a “Mia” would be attended by those in conflict, and their disputes settled there.

While the men swore to agreement beside the fire, religious officials would cast salt into it.

It is possible that there is some relative symbolism in the demise of Lot’s wife.

Abraham had bargained repeatedly with Elohim prior to the great un-funning of Sodom and Gomorrah, creating some improper sense of parity between the concerns of humans and the will of the gods.

Lot’s wife was standing next to the purifying or sacred fires of what had been Sodom and Gomorrah, where Abraham and Elohim agreed to mutual terms.

To correct these unparalleled indiscretions, when Lot’s wife expressed further disrespect for divine judgement by so much as pausing to witness the remains, she was transformed into the sacrifice of salt.

To the minds of ancient men, a most authoritative reference of conclusion would have been understood.

To the minds of men in general, the colours produced by salts in fire have retained a simple joy, if not utter fascination.

Did the salt that had been Lot’s wife create wondrous flames?

No one dared to look.