Crystals in the mud

[DaveB]

Took the grandkids up to dig in the mud of the Great Salt Lake near the Spiral Jetty. If you get lucky you can find nice selenite crystals.

 

[jackjoh]

You were very lucky. I do not go rock hounding much anymore but you did great.

 

[mesha]

Those are great specimens. I need to dig some up for my classroom.

 

[bryson]

I have a whole bunch of Selenite that was left in the rock gardens of my house... What can one do with it other than use it to decorate their yard?

 

[DaveB]

I just did a google search and it is a form of gypsum. "Gypsum is an industrially important mineral. It is the primary ingredient of plaster-of-Paris, which is finely ground Gypsum, and it is used in the production of cement. It is also the main component of sheet rock. It is used as a flux for creating earthenware, and can be used as a fertilizer. The variety Alabaster is is carved for ornamental use, such as artistic sculptures and pottery. It is porous and is therefore easily dyed. The fibrous Satin Spar variety is sometimes cut into cabochons for collectors because of its strong cat's eye effect. Fine Gypsum specimens are very popular among mineral collectors, especially the varieties Selenite and Desert Rose."
Also for people who believe that crystals have "powers" it is known as a healing stone.