How do you dig for crystals in the salt plains?
How do you dig for crystals in the salt plains?
Crystal Digging Tips Bring water and a change of clothes—digging is messy! Bring a shovel—you’ll need to dig a hole about two feet deep by two feet wide to get to the crystals. Drive carefully; shorebirds, which nest on the flats, may not be easily seen. When you leave, wash your car to remove the accumulated salt.
Where can I dig for salt crystals?
Great Salt Plains State Park
Great Salt Plains State Park in Jet, Oklahoma, is the only place in the world where you can dig for these hourglass-shaped crystals. You’ll find the state park about 45 miles northeast of Enid at 23280 S Spillway Drive in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge.
What do people dig for on the salt plains?
During this time and in specific areas, anyone can dig for free selenite crystals on the salt flats. Visitors are allowed to collect up to 10 pounds and large clusters for their personal use. For more information visit fws.gov/refuge/salt-plains.
How much does it cost to dig for crystals at Great Salt Plains?
COST: FREE – It is free to dig for crystals, but there is a $10 per vehicle fee to enter the state park.
What to bring when digging crystals?
One of the frequently asked questions is “What tools do I bring?” We suggest you bring thick gloves, eye protection, gardening shovel, weeding tool, screwdriver, 5 gallon bucket and wagon to take your finds to the wash station.
What to bring to dig for crystals?
How much does it cost to dig for crystals in Oklahoma?
Where are the hag stones in Oklahoma?
Rocks, Minerals, and Crystals You Can Find in Oklahoma
| Category / Type | Locations |
|---|---|
| Gypsum and Dolomite | Western Oklahoma, Alabaster Caverns State Park in northwest Oklahoma |
| Sandstone | Near Hinton, in western Oklahoma, Red Rock Canyon State Park |
| Rocks (Metamorphic) |
What should I look for when mining quartz?
Mine Tailings Another excellent place to look for quartz crystals are mine tailings. Mine tailings are essentially the dirt and debris that’s left over from a mining operation. The rocks, dirt, minerals and other debris need to be removed from the mines and are poured out in piles near the mine.
Can you dig for crystals in Great Salt Plains?
Great Salt Plains is one of those places. Great Salt Plains State Park is quite a place, it is unlike anything else in Oklahoma. It is free to enter and free to dig for crystals. You are allowed to keep up to 10 lbs of crystals per day. We visited the Great Salt Plains State Park and dug for crystals on one of our many Oklahoma road trips.
How do crystals form on the Great Salt Plains?
The finer the soil, the more clear the crystals. The crystals found on the Great Salt Plains are chocolate brown in color due to the presence of iron oxide in the soil, and because these crystals form in wet soil, sand and clay particles are included within the crystal. These particles often form an “hourglass” shape inside the crystal.
Where is the Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge?
Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is outside Jet, Oklahoma; a two and a half hour drive north of Oklahoma City or just under two hours from Wichita, Kansas. The time goes by very fast because the drive is through some very beautiful countryside. We stopped to take photos at the canola fields on the way!
Why are the crystals found on the Great Salt Plains chocolate brown?
The crystals found on the Great Salt Plains are chocolate brown in color due to the presence of iron oxide in the soil, and because these crystals form in wet soil, sand and clay particles are included within the crystal.
