It was generally found in the dry lake beds that had been left as a result of hydration and then recession of the water in the Nile Valley.
The simple answer is "dried up lake beds."
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In ancient Egypt they used natron to dry out the mummies. Natron was what they put on the mummies skin for 40 days so that the body wouldn't rot.
Soda Ash and Cubic-Saltpeter are the two chemicals found in natron
The hot dry conditions of Egypt helped to keep the bodies from decaying. A salt like substance called natron was initially used by the Egyptians to initially dry out the body, this substance would absorb the water from the body very effectively.
Blended with oil, it was an early form of soap. It softens water while removing oil and grease. Undiluted, natron was a cleanser for the teeth and an early mouthwash. The mineral was mixed into early antiseptics for wounds and minor cuts. Natron can be used to dry and preserve fish and meat. It was also an ancient household insecticide, was used for making leather and as a bleach for clothing. Natron is a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate and about 17% sodium bicarbonate along with small quantities of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate.
i think it was to preserve the body for a longer time. however im not totally sure.