Millions of years ago this area was covered by a large inland sea.
Selenite crystals dug up from the lake bed.
Photo credit:Neal/Flickr
Gypsum crystals are affected by the environment they grow in.
The finer the soil, the more flush the crystals.
These particles often form an “hourglass” shape inside the crystal.
This hourglass shape is unique to selenite crystals that grow on the Salt Plains of northwest Oklahoma.
Aside from hourglass-shaped crystals, single crystal blades, penetration twins, and clusters are also found here.
Because these crystals are so unique, they were designated as the State Crystal of Oklahoma in 2005.
The Great Salt Plains itself is a protected State Park.
Collectors are permitted to take up to 10 pounds of crystals, but for personal use only.
Selling of crystals is illegal.
A gypsum crystal showing the “hourglass” shape.
