Block of salt from the Dead Sea in Israel. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth (417 meters below sea level). Because the quantity of water evaporation far exceeds that which flows into it, the Dead Sea has the highest concentration of salt in the world (340 grams per liter of water). It is called the Dead Sea because its salinity prevents the existence of any life forms in the lake. That same salt, on the other hand, provides tremendous relief to the many ailing visitors who come regularly to benefit from its healing properties. This block is taken directly from the shore of the Dead Sea.