Glitter Mountain Arizona - Selenite
Selenite is a crystalline variety of the mineral gypsum. It is a very soft mineral which can be easily scratched with a fingernail and therefore not recommended for jewellery, unless looked after very carefully. If placed in water, Selenite will revert to gypsum.
Selenite is a specific variety of the mineral gypsum named after the Ancient Greek goddess of the moon, Selene.
The Greeks especially appreciated the beauty of selenite, even making windows with the stone.
Gypsum as a general material has been valued since as far back as the Egyptians where it was used for decorative purposes.
All varieties of gypsum, including selenite and alabaster, are composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO₄·2H₂O
Mineral Name: Hydrous calcium sulfate
Color: Colorless, white, gray, brown, beige, orange, pink, yellow, light red, green
Mohs Hardness Scale: 2
Glitter Mountain, 1 Glitter Mountain Rd, Littlefield, AZ 86432
From Warner Valley Exit
- Head East on Warner Valley Road
- Take the first Right onto the dirt frontage road
- Continue South for about 3 miles to a fork in the road
- Stay to the Left and continue 1 mile to another fork in the road
- Turn Right and cross over the dry wash
- Continue South for .7 miles to another fork in the road
- Stay Left. This will be Sunshine Trail Rd
- Continue on Sunshine Trail Rd for 1 mile and Glitter Mountain will be on the Right!
What to bring?
Layer up in clothing it gets hot!
- Boots as these are sharp gypsum crystals and uneven surface
- Sunglasses or Safety Glasses if you are going to hammer into the crystals
- Cut Resistant Gloves
- Hat is always recommended
- Sunscreen
Small Hand tools
If you don't have a rock hammer or pick then bring some worn down screw drivers and hammers to use.
Different size bucket to sort by clarity and size.
Remember to VENMO the claim owner for specimens taken
Gas up and bring snacks
The site is a little remote and it is best to be in a higher clearance vehicle like a small SUV. Make sure to gas up prior to leaving the small town of St. George and bring some snacks, water, and remember to pack up whatever you bring out.
No bathrooms at the site, so plan ahead.
Family Friendly
Make sure to exercise safety when letting the kids with the hammer and chisel. Be aware of your surroundings as Arizona does have snakes and other critters.
This is NOT A DOG FRIENDLY Site. The gypsum is sharp and will hurt the paws.