AbstractIn an effort to achieve higher‐resolution imaging as well as detailed lithology descriptions, it is important to consider attenuation as an aid in compensating for seismic wave amplitude and phase distortions due to the viscoelastic properties of natural rocks. We have evaluated elastic‐wave attenuation on a variety of Gulf of Mexico (GoM) rock salt samples (>95% halite by weight) in the laboratory using the ultrasonic pulse‐transmission technique and the spectral ratio (SR) method. Under conditions of 297 K (75°F) and relative humidity of 46%, the estimated P‐ and S‐wave quality factors QP and QS range from 26 to 74 and 29 to 44 in the unjacketed core samples, respectively. Increasing triaxial pressure elevates Q (decreases attenuation), possibly due to the crack closure and rock frame compaction. For example, a 40 MPa confining pressure increases QP to 275 at 297 K (75°F). Elevating temperature does not show a significant effect on Q values until raised from 339 to 366 K (150°F to 200°F), during which QP drops sharply (attenuation increases). The attenuation mechanisms may include thermal cracking and grain boundary condition changes. We have determined well‐constrained empirical relationships between Q and velocity (V) for both P‐ and S‐waves. These measurements and empirical relationships can further inform us about salt properties and assist with images of and through salt bodies.