Glitter pits-Thanksgiving 2013

On Saturday afternoon we loaded up the vehicles and headed south and east of St. George and just across the state-line into Arizona to the 'Glitter Pits'. They are a deposit of gypsum where the tailings piles shimmer and shine in the sunshine. Local legend has it that the gypsum was mined and crushed and mixed into the white finish on the St. George Temple. That would explain why that building is so blindingly white and shiny that you cannot actually look at it when the sun is shining on it without hurting your eyes.
This is such a fun place for families and for little kids. They can run and play and find beautiful rocks to keep and to throw. My only concern was that they might fall off the piles into the quarry hole.
We had a picnic lunch while we were there and after we left here we went on down the road a ways until we found a spot where we could set up a makeshift shooting range. The guys and some of the kids and moms took a few shots at some bowling pins. More rockhounding and playing in the sand occurred. It was a nice day out in the country and we all enjoyed the day.

Checking out the tailings piles of gypsum crystals. They really do glitter in the sun!

Soren-one of my rock loving boys, looking for the perfect piece.

Ethan and Charles, comparing rocks.

The ground was absolutely littered with crystals. It's interesting stuff. It's smooth and can be quite clear, but can be peeled into very thin flexible (to a point) layers. Also known as selenite or mica.

I tried to capture the glitter, but I just couldn't get it. You'll have to use your imagination.

Montana found his new pair of glasses. So attractive.

Hills to climb! Rocks to find! What more could a boy ask for?
Soren, James and Charles.

This hole allowed us a peek into the inside of the deposit. The crystal layers went every which way and were so beautiful. The pictures just don't do it justice.

Another shot trying to show the reflective ability of the gypsum. The whole wall of the pit was shiny crystal which shimmered with iridescent colors in the sun.

A shot to show the depth of the pit.
(notice the man in the dark shirt on the left who is picking out crystals with a pickaxe.) 

Our stash of keepers!

Dad's big find.