“You can’t go in the spring because you’re waiting for the road to thaw out,” he says. Crystal digging at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge - Jet People come from all over the world to dig for the selenite crystals at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet, Oklahoma. You could spend all day here enjoying the digging area, swimming in the lake, hiking on the trails, and breathing lots of fresh air. Khristinatew. Apr 28, 2012 - Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Jet, OK. Near Enid. **Notice** Selenite crystal digging at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge resumed on April 25, 2009. Located just under the surface of the salt plains, these crystals usually form into an hourglass shape. Digging You are welcome to come dig for crystals from April 1st through October 15th. crystals with hourglass inclusions are found. 230), along Great Salt Plains Lake, which is formed by a dam on the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River.. The crystal digging area is open from April 1 to October 15 from sunrise to sunset. Dig For One-Of-A-Kind Selenite Crystals At Great Salt Plains Park In Oklahoma. Continue 6 miles south and turn east to the selenite crystal digging area. Wildlife Refuge is the only known site in the world where unique selenite The Salt Flats are a unique geological feature. If you come across anything unusual, err on the side of caution and call 911 or contact the refuge as explosive devices were used in this area.Watch for Wildlife on the Salt FlatsThe most productive area in which the selenite crystals are found has been divided into sections. The salt plains were formed by repeated flooding by sea water millions of years ago. You'll find the state park about 45 miles northeast of Enid at 23280 S Spillway Drive in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. Oklahoma designated the unique hourglass selenite crystal as the official state crystal in 2005 after elementary school students from Bryant and Red Oak School petitioned the state legislature. It can be found in the salt plains in northern Oklahoma, and in giant caverns in Mexico. Another famous crystal, the hourglass selenite, is the official state crystal of Oklahoma since 2005. Thank you! At this stage of the process, the newly exposed crystals are wet and fragile so use great care removing them. Of course this is the only place in the world where you can find these unique and colorful hourglass shaped selenite … We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. The Great Salt Plains in Alfalfa County, in northwestern Oklahoma, is the only place in the world where hourglass-shaped selenite crystals are found. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Allow two or three inches of water to seep in from the bottom. Open today: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Because these crystals form in wet It is the only place in the world you can dig for hourglass selenite crystals. Use your hand or a container to splash water gently against the sides of the hole. It looks like beautiful white water. For more information on Great Salt Plains Park, visit travelok.com. My kids (at ages 12, 10 and 8) loved it. We had a blast digging … When you find a crystal formation, continue splashing to wash it free of the supporting sand and clay. The refuge is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for hourglass selenite crystals, a rare and fragile form of selenite, which is a form of gypsum. What is Selenite? These crystals are found only on the salt plains of Oklahoma, a unique 11,000-acre geological area. Drinking water is not available at the dig site -- bring water and a change of clothes, digging is a messy venture. . The Great Salt Plains in Alfalfa County, in northwestern Oklahoma, the United States, is the only place in the world where hourglass-shaped selenite crystals are found. Another famous crystal, the hourglass selenite, is the official state crystal of Oklahoma since 2005. For more information on the refuge or on selenite crystals, click here. You can find one in Oklahoma. Snowy Plovers may be seen on the white salt … But what makes this a really unique experience is that you can go crystal digging. Oklahoma Hourglass Selenite has a completely different resonant energy than other forms of Selenite. I was in some really bigger ones earlier, Matrix was digging pulling them out over here and there's one right there. #1 of 2 things to do in Jet. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 25 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. Do not worry about filling in your dig holes. * Past Military Use * The refuge was at one time used by the military as a bombing and straffing range. They can also be found in clusters weighing up to 30 pounds. Jul 2, 2020 - Digging for Selenite Crystals at Oklahoma's Great Salt Plains. This hourglass shape cannot be found in selenite crystals in other places of the world; it is only found here at the Salt Plains of NW Oklahoma.-Single crystals, penetration twins, and clusters are the typical crystal shapes most frequently encountered on the refuge. Digging times are available from April 1 through October 15. Located just under the surface of the salt plains, these crystals usually form into an hourglass shape. Shorebirds nest on the flats. For more information on the refuge or on selenite crystals, click here. First, the endangered whooping crane, the continent’s tallest bird, and second, exceptional selenite crystals. One of the best places to practicing social distancing and enjoy the great outdoors is at Great Salt Plains Park in Jet. Love Oklahoma? Oklahoma is the only place in the world where the hourglass-shaped selenite crystal can be found. The Great Salt Plains itself is a protected State Park. Gypsum and barite rose are also popular collectible gemstones in Oklahoma, with the barite rose being the state rock of Oklahoma since 1968. When you first approach the crystal digging area on the west end of the Great Salt Plains. It’s easy to forget you’re even still in Oklahoma! 70K Views. It’s the only place in the world where you’ll find hourglass shaped selenite crystals just under the surface. It is the only place in the world you can dig for hourglass selenite crystals. Crystal Park Dillon, Montana. All State Minerals & Rocks. Collectors are permitted to remove up to 10 pounds of crystals plus one large cluster for their personal use in any one day. Dillon's 13th Birthday and Selenite Crystal Digging Yesterday we celebrated Dillon's 13th birthday by heading to the Great Salt Plains near Jet, Oklahoma. Get more stories delivered right to your email. unique "hourglass" shape inside. A little bit about Selenite Crystals and the dig area. Another hotspot Phillips suggests is located in southwestern Montana. With no more time to waste, we got to digging. The field was closed in April 2007 after World War II-era chemical vials were found buried in the sand there.Motel and restaurant owner Karen Hawkins said she has … Collectors are permitted to remove up to 10 pounds of crystals plus one large cluster for their personal use in any one day. It is also important to restrict crystal digging to particular sections because many bird species use the area for nesting purposes. With no more time to waste, we got to digging. Military Influences on the Salt Flats soil, sand and clay, particles are included within the crystal giving them their Far in the background are people digging up their one crystals. Re: about selenite... That page isn't coming up yet... will try again later. Salt marshes like this one make up a very important habitat for wildlife, especially migratory birds, which makes the Great Salt Plains a great stop for nature lovers. The refuge offers gem hunters an area of the refuge from April 1 to October 15 each year for crystal digging. No special permit is required. Directions To the Crystal Dig Area Open April 1 - October 15, daily. 383 (August), p. 20-22. Crystal digging is permitted from April 1 through October 15, sunrise to sunset. Crystal digging at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge - Jet People come from all over the world to dig for the selenite crystals at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet, Oklahoma. The digging area is within the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. Just place your healing bracelet, necklace, or ring on a Selenite crystal overnight. How To Video on digging selenite crystals on the Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in NW Oklahoma. Enjoy Over 120,000 Blossoms At The Tulsa Botanic Blooms Festival In Oklahoma, Celebrate The Arrival At Spring At Burning Of The Socks Festival In Oklahoma, Enjoy A Peaceful Haven On The Lower Illinois River At Marval Family Camping Resort In Oklahoma, Head To PorchFest At Carlton Landing For One Of The Most Unusual Music Festivals In Oklahoma, With Over 300 Exhibitors, The Absolutely Giant Tulsa Home And Garden Show In Oklahoma Is Perfect For Spring, This Weekend Itinerary Is Perfect For Exploring Eufala In Oklahoma, Home Of The 3-Pound Burger, The Cow Calf-Hay In Oklahoma Shouldn’t Be Passed Up, For A Warm Winter Fishing Experience In Oklahoma, Head To Lake Eufaula Heated Fishing Docks. Turn east on the paved road (look for sign), five miles to the gate and follow signs to dig area. Hourglass selenite crystals are found only on the salt plains of Oklahoma, a unique 11,000-acre geological area. These crystals even attract rock enthusiasts from around the world. The agitated water will wash the soil away from the crystals. The digging area is closed from October 16th through March 31st, as the entire refuge is designated critical whooping crane habitat. Crystal digging is confined to areas posted for such activity. Put a Selenite crystal or wand on the part of your body that feels sore, tight, or painful for about 20 to 30 minutes. It is a key crystal for those on the path of Ascension, Awakening, and Spiritual Advancement. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge: Crystal Digging - See 80 traveler reviews, 132 candid photos, and great deals for Jet, OK, at Tripadvisor. You can dig for selenite crystals. Gemstone hunting, which involves digging, panning and sluicing for gemstones, is a fun and even profitable hobby that can be done alone or as a family activity. The digging area is within the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. Well the Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in Jet, Oklahoma is your spot! The refuge is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for hourglass selenite crystals, a rare and fragile form of selenite, which is a form of gypsum. Explore Oklahoma – Selenite Crystal Digging. The mounds give shorebirds a place to nest above the floodplain during the rainy seasons and increases their nest success. In addition to the metaphysical properties of Selenite, it has the ability to … You can dig for selenite crystals. 66003 Garvin Road Cherokee, Oklahoma. Digging You are welcome to come dig for crystals from April 1st through October 15th. 79 Reviews. Hourglass selenite you guys, This is a pretty good size one. When collecting, no special permit is required. Old mounds from past dig seasons have been found being used as elevated nesting platforms. GREAT SALT PLAINS, OK - Crystal digging is permitted April 1 through October 15, sunrise to sunset (weather permitting). The Hourglass Selenite Crystal was adopted in 2005 as Oklahoma's State Crystal. When she isn't exploring Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beaches of California. When you first enter the salt plains of the digging area, there is a building with a restroom, a parking area, and a shelter with information about the history of the Great Salt Plains and Selenite Crystals. Selenite crystals are also available to collect at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. DEC 12, 2020 - CHEROKEE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a public hearing Tuesday in Alfalfa County to discuss five options for the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge’s crystal-digging field. Selenite is a crystallized form of gypsum. You may feel the shovel break through the crystals as it goes down. Among these species are snowy plovers, endangered interior least terns, and American avocets.Snowy plovers can be found throughout the crystal digging area. These crystals even attract rock enthusiasts from around the world. Crystal digging is allowed during the period from April 1 to October 15 each year under rules established by the wildlife refuge. The birds utilize the mounds to nest upon after the dig area has rotated to the next site. The refuge offers gem hunters an area of the refuge from April 1 to October 15 each year for crystal digging. Great Salt Plains State Park in Jet, Oklahoma, is the only place in the world where you can dig for these hourglass-shaped crystals. Nesting beside the mounds can offer the eggs shade from the hot sun.It is important that these birds not be disturbed. Apr 28, 2012 - Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Jet, OK. Near Enid. Digging times are available from April 1 through October 15. Digging hourglass Selenite in Oklahoma !! Crystals taken from the refuge cannot be sold, under penalty of law.Safety PrecautionsOnce in the digging area, please stay on the designated road. CHEROKEE, Okla. (AP) — The possible reopening of the crystal digging area at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge will be discussed during a public hearing set for March 3. The Great Salt Plains in northwestern Oklahoma is the only place in the world to find unique hourglass-shaped selenite crystals. It is a key crystal for those on the path of Ascension, Awakening, and Spiritual Advancement. Near Cherokee Oklahoma. Each section is used on a rotating basis to allow time for crystal growth replacement. Sunglasses, sunscreen and protective clothing are recommended. GREAT SALT PLAINS, OK - Crystal digging is permitted April 1 through October 15, sunrise to sunset (weather permitting). Save. Del City, Oklahoma. After removing crystals from sand, place them where the sun and wind will dry them. No exceptions are made to these dates.When collecting, no special permit is required. Wow - I did find this : Naica giant selenite-- absolutely amazing! Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. You can dig for one-of-a-kind selenite crystals and there … Egg cartons or other containers are recommended for transporting the crystals. The Great Salt Plains in northwestern Oklahoma is the only place in the world to find unique hourglass-shaped selenite crystals. Great Salt Plains State Park: Family Trip for Selenite Crystal Dig - See 55 traveller reviews, 53 candid photos, and great deals for Great Salt Plains State Park at Tripadvisor. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is part of the United States system of national wildlife refuges.It is located in Alfalfa County in northern Oklahoma, north of Jet (pop. These particles often form an "hourglass" shape inside the crystal. Furthermore, it is illegal to harass or destroy the bird's eggs and nests.How is it done? GREAT SALT PLAINS, OK - Crystal digging is permitted April 1 through October 15, sunrise to sunset (weather permitting). The observation tower here, at the entrance to the digging area, is the most reliable place that gives you the best chance of a sighting is from the. Three miles north on a sand road and one mile east on a paved road to the gate and follow the orange signs to ‘Dig Area.’From Cherokee, OK: Three miles south of Cherokee on State Hwy 8. While digging for Halite Crystals, Aaron Van Dorn of Red DIrt Rockhounds from Oklahoma and I decided to walk the distance across the salt fields to a secret selenite location! Hourglass selenite crystals are found only on the salt plains of Oklahoma, a unique 11,000-acre geological area. You will feel a difference right away. A folder on selenite crystals is also available at the refuge office. Oklahoma is the only place in the world where the hourglass-shaped selenite crystal can be found. In addition to the metaphysical properties of Selenite, it has the ability to … Share. Interior least terns and American avocets are mostly seen along the streams. The field was closed in April 2007 after World War II-era chemical vials were found buried in the sand there.Motel and restaurant owner Karen Hawkins said she has … When you first enter the salt plains of the digging area, there is a building with a restroom, a parking area, and a shelter with information about the history of the Great Salt Plains and Selenite Crystals. The crystal digging area is open from April 1 to October 15 from sunrise to sunset. RR 1, Jet, OK 73749-9801. **Notice** Selenite crystal digging at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge resumed on April 25, 2009. Crystal digging is permitted from April 1 through October 15, sunrise to sunset. Selenite (hydrous calcium sulfate) is a crystallized form of gypsum, a common mineral in sedimentary environments that can take on a great variety of crystal forms and shapes. Hunting Selenite Crystals in Oklahoma *Raw Mining Footage* This is mostly raw mining footage finding many great crystals! You have to continue driving straight as if you are headed straight through and out of town. Marie, Michigan 1991 Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate College of the DEC 12, 2020 - CHEROKEE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a public hearing Tuesday in Alfalfa County to discuss five options for the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge’s crystal-digging field. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Collectors are permitted to remove up to 10 pounds of crystals plus one large cluster for their personal use in any one day. Selenite crystals are also available to collect at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. Salt marshes like this one make up a very important habitat for wildlife, especially migratory birds, which makes the Great Salt Plains a great stop for nature lovers. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge: Selenite Crystal Digging Success - See 80 traveler reviews, 132 candid photos, and great deals for Jet, OK, at Tripadvisor. There is a gypsum cave about 30 miles from Arch Mt site, in similar rocks. COMPATIBILITY OF SELENITE CRYSTAL DIGGING WITH BREEDING ECOLOGY OF LEAST TERNS AND SNOWY PLOVERS AT SALT PLAINS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE IN OKLAHOMA By RUSSELL BENES UTYCH Bachelor of Science Lake Superior State University Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 1991 Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate College of the On the salt plains, sand and clay particles often form an “hourglass In Oklahoma, nearly 99% of the rocks that can be seen at, or near, the earth’s surface are sedimentary rocks. For information and map, please click here.From the Great Salt Plains State Park: Eight miles south on State Hwy 38 to Jet, OK. Six miles west of Jet on State Hwy 64 (look for a sign). The 11,000-square-mile Great Salt Plains are as white as salt, thanks to the saline deposits left over from an ancient sea that once drenched the area. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has a selenite crystal digging area in Oklahoma that is in operation from April through October 15th. The digging area is closed from October 16th through March 31st, as the entire refuge is designated critical whooping crane habitat. The 300-acre site has been closed since April 2007 when vials of blistering solutions used in military chemical warfare training kits were unearthed where many people dig for selenite crystals. Selenite crystals are also a good way to cleanse your healing jewelry. Selenite is a type of gypsum This… You can find one in Oklahoma. Visitors enjoy viewing the nearly flat 11,000 acres of salt-crusted plains or digging for the famous Salt Plains selenite crystals. Click here to read more about 12 of them. Their nests are camouflaged to the soil so you may not see them. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Vickers, F.L., 1969, Oklahoma club completes three-year survey of selenite beds: Gems and Minerals, no. Oklahoma, though not the richest state in mineral resources, has some excellent natural gem deposits and mines open to … Selenite can be found in crystal form on every continent. Because these crystals are so unique, they were designated as the State Crystal of Oklahoma in 2005. But what makes this a really unique experience is that you can go crystal digging. No special permit is required. Nature & Wildlife Areas. Jul 2, 2020 - Digging for Selenite Crystals at Oklahoma's Great Salt Plains. You can dig for one-of-a-kind selenite crystals and there is a ton of space for lots of people to enjoy this park. Salt Plains National The vibrations of this stone are gentle and soothing to the troubled soul. Collectors are permitted to remove up to 10 pounds of crystals plus one large cluster for their personal use in any one day. It’s easy to forget you’re even still in Oklahoma! This cannot be helped as there is no way of predicting exactly where a bed of crystals is located. Enjoy your visit to the Salt Plains Selenite Crystal Digging Area. It seems you're looking more for stuff you would find at cave gift shop. Exceptional individual crystals measuring up to seven inches long have been found, along with complex combinations weighing as much as 38 pounds. No special permit is required. The selenite crystal is a beautiful, translucent crystal that evokes energies of healing and protection. However, every year between April and October, the west edge of the Great Salt lake is opened up digging, attracting rock enthusiasts from all over America and beyond. I found a layer here that's right on the surface, making it super easy to dig this out. Hunting Selenite Crystals in Oklahoma *Raw Mining Footage* - YouTube. Oklahoma is home to 34 diverse state parks that are spread throughout the state. Additionally, the ground is much softer than expected off the road.Be sure to thoroughly wash your car after leaving the flats.Due to the white salt surface, it is easy to get sunburned. Of course this is the only place in the world where you can find these unique and colorful hourglass shaped selenite … When entering Jet there is a sign that points straight for the Selenite Digging & another side that says to turn right for the Salt Plains. The crystals form in wet soil, sand and clay particles, and an hourglass-like shape often appears inside the crystal – the only place in the world where such a shape is found in selenite crystals. The birds will use the dig holes and consume the brine flies that hatch in the water in the dig holes after you have left the site. Selenite Crystals are a rare form of gypsum. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge: Selenite Crystal Digging Success - See 80 traveler reviews, 132 candid photos, and great deals for Jet, OK, at Tripadvisor. Use a shovel to dig a hole about two feet deep and two feet across until you reach wet sand. The salt plains were formed by repeated flooding by sea water millions of years ago. No exceptions are made to these dates. They can also be found in clusters weighing up to 30 pounds. Keep scrolling for more details on this unique state park. Selenite Crystals are a rare form of gypsum. 542 Likes 209 Comments 73 Shares. COMPATIBILITY OF SELENITE CRYSTAL DIGGING WITH BREEDING ECOLOGY OF LEAST TERNS AND SNOWY PLOVERS AT SALT PLAINS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE IN OKLAHOMA By RUSSELL BENES UTYCH Bachelor of Science Lake Superior State University Sault Ste. My kids (at ages 12, 10 and 8) loved it. Other features attracting sightseers are the large flocks of waterfowl that … What are Selenite Crystals? One of the best places to practicing social distancing and enjoy the great outdoors is at Great Salt Plains Park in Jet. Oklahoma Hourglass Selenite has a completely different resonant energy than other forms of Selenite. With short trails around, one can go for mini hikes through the keystone ancient forest. Gypsum and barite rose are also popular collectible gemstones in Oklahoma, with the barite rose being the state rock of Oklahoma since 1968. Concentrated saline water combines with gypsum to promote growth of a crystal with an hourglass shaped sand inclusion. Millions of years ago this area was covered by a large inland sea.