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Selenite, a mesmerizing variation of gypsum, often appears as clear crystals or delicate plates. If you’re eager to uncover this captivating mineral, you’re in luck! Selenite can be found in numerous locations.
In the United States, it graces the majority of states, with Arizona, Oklahoma, and California boasting particularly plentiful deposits. As selenite is a crystallized form of gypsum, it tends to emerge in mines or near bodies of water, as its formation hinges on the evaporation of calcium-rich saltwater and sulfate.
While white is the most prevalent hue for selenite, you might stumble upon captivating golden, peach, or even rose-colored specimens. Let’s delve deeper into the common whereabouts of selenite and pinpoint the prime states for your exploration!
If you are interested in checking out the best books about rock and mineral identification you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
Where to Find Selenite Near Me (Most Common Environments)
Living in the U.S. is a blessing for rockhounds, as they have access to various specimens. Selenite is one of them. If you want to know what the best locations near you are to find selenite, you should consider how it forms.
Selenite forms out of evaporated saltwater, being a byproduct of salt. Sulfate or calcium-rich saltwater are the best mediums for selenite formation. Because of this, some of the best environments to find selenite include mines and mine dumps, quarries, bluffs, road cuts, stream gravels, exposures, pits, caves, and outcrops.
What’s amazing about selenite is its ability to grow if the conditions are right. Some of the biggest crystal structures ever discovered on Earth are selenite.
Some selenite crystals discovered by accident were 13 meters long, and 2 meters wide beneath the Chihuahuan Desert, namely the Cristal Cave. Let’s see exactly why selenite crystals are easier to find in such environments!
Mines, Quarries & Mine Dumps
Selenite crystals form at depths of even 300 meters or more. Because of this, it’s easy to find them in mines or quarries. The deeper a mine goes, the higher the chances selenite specimens will be exposed. Mine dumps are also excellent environments to find selenite specimens.
Road Cuts, Outcrops, or Streams
Road cuts and outcrops often expose selenite specimens, among other crystals and rocks. They are among the best environments in general for any rockhounding enthusiast to find various specimens.
Streams, due to their moving nature, are also a potent medium where selenite can be found. Stream gravels are particularly worth searching.
Caves or Pits
As mentioned above, selenite specimens are easily found underground, and caves or pits are excellent mediums for them. The Cristal Cave under the Chihuahuan Desert is an excellent example of this, where huge crystals about 13 meters long and 2 meters wide were unearthed.
TIP: Rockhounding in the desert might not seem rewarding at first. However, there are many rocks, minerals, and gemstones that you can find if you know where to look for them.
Rockhounding in Desert: How to Find + 5 Best Places in the USA
Where Is Selenite Found in the US? The Best Locations
If you want to start searching for selenite specimens and other forms of gypsum in the U.S., then your best bet is to explore the environments mentioned above. Selenite is found in most U.S. states.
The western, eastern, and southern states are the most abundant in selenite. The central U.S. is also worth exploring for these crystals. Some of the best states to find selenite in the U.S. include Oklahoma, Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, and Utah.
| State | Locations |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma | Great Salt Plains, Beckham County, Greer County |
| Virginia | Galax, Whitetop, Carroll County |
| Indiana | Parke County, Owen County, Lawrence County |
Let’s explore some of the best US states to find selenite and see exactly where you should go to find them!
Oklahoma Selenite Locations
Oklahoma might not have as many selenite locations as other U.S. states. However, it is the most famous selenite state due to its abundance of hourglass selenite crystals. These crystals are unique and prized, and they are mostly found at the Great Salt Plains State Park in Alfalfa County.
In fact, it’s most likely that due to their unique shape and beauty, Oklahoma designated selenite as its official state mineral in 2005. Though you can find selenite crystals and rose rocks in Western Oklahoma at the Great Salt Plains, you will need to pay a small fee to do so.
If you are near Beckham County, OK, you can find selenite specimens at the local quarries. Some other rich selenite counties in Oklahoma include Blaine, Greer, Harper, Jackson, and Major County.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Oklahoma, check out this article.
Finding Selenite in Utah
Utah is among the most abundant U.S. states in selenite, with various locations across its borders worth exploring. In Emery County, you can find selenite specimens near the San Rafael River, south of the highway.
Sevier County has many more areas to explore. You can find selenite at Glenwood, in the northeastern areas, or at Sigurd. Rock Candy Mountain is another beautiful place worth exploring to find selenite.
The Cactus Mine in Beaver County hosts many fascinating crystals and minerals, including selenite specimens. If you are near Iron County, you should visit Cedar Canyon to find selenite. Piute County has numerous locations where you can find selenite in Utah.
For example, you can visit Marysvale and search for selenite in the many surrounding area mines. The area mines around Bullion Canyon are also filled with selenite.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Utah, check out this article.
North & South Dakota Selenite Areas
North Dakota and South Dakota are some amazing states for those who wish to find selenite crystals. For example, in North Dakota, you can find selenite crystals in Hettinger County, the area north along Thirty Mile Creek.
You can also try your luck at Richardton, the broader southern area. The best counties to find selenite in North Dakota include Burke, Cass, Hettinger, and Stark County.
In South Dakota, you can find some beautiful selenite crystals at Piedmont, the area just to the east. Selenite roses are present in Wagner, east to Scotland, in the road cuts or stream gravels. Cluster County, as a whole, has among the most selenite locations in the state.
Overall, the best counties to find selenite in South Dakota are Bon Homme County, Custer County, Douglas County, Harding County, Lawrence County, Oglala Lakota County, or Yankton County.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in North and South Dakota, check out this article and this article.
Looking for Selenite in Arizona
Arizona stands out as a selenite haven, with numerous locations scattered across the state. In Apache County, the Cane Valley Mining District, mines surrounding the Perilla Mountains and Ramsey Canyon offer promising prospects.
Gila County boasts the Globe-Miami Mining District, renowned for its frequent discovery of fascinating specimens. Selenite can be found here at Sleeping Beauty Peak, Lost Gulch Mine, or the Coronado fault area.
La Paz County holds selenite treasures within the Santa Maria mining district, particularly in the Buckskin Mountains or Swansea. The Blue Bell Mine is another noteworthy spot.
Pima County has revealed selenite crystals at Cross Hill and near Marsh Station. Additionally, the Quijotoa Mountains and Ben Nevis Mountain in this county hold selenite specimens.
The mines around the Sierrita Mountains, especially Mission Mine and Mission Pit, are teeming with selenite. In Santa Cruz County, you can find selenite in the Hardshell Gulch area.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Arizona, check out this article.
California Selenite Locations
If you are located in California and want to find selenite, you are extremely lucky since this state is also among the most abundant in it.
You can find selenite in Cavaleras, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Riverside, San Bernadino, Santa Barbara, or Ventura County. All of these counties have numerous locations where you can find selenite specimens, including crystals or selenite roses.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in California, check out this article.
TIP: As with any other natural material, selenite has several fakes with a similar appearance. Check out the main differences between real and fake selenite in the article below:
Real vs. Fake Selenite: Focus on These 5 Differences
FAQ About Finding Selenite
Still haven’t found the answers to your questions about finding selenite? Check out our frequently asked questions below:
Is Selenite Naturally Occurring?
Selenite is a naturally occurring crystalline mineral. It is known and often referred to as gypsum or calcium sulfate. However, selenite is just a variety of gypsum. These minerals form when evaporated saltwater leaves behind an accumulation of salt.
Where Is Most Selenite Found?
Selenite is mostly found underground, even at depths of 300 meters. In the U.S., California, Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Utah are some of the most abundant selenite states.
Worldwide, selenite is commonly found in other countries such as Japan, Russia, Poland, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and Mexico.
What States Have Selenite?
Most U.S. states have selenite specimens. You can find selenite in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North & South Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
BTW: Do you want to know more about rock and mineral identification? The books listed below are the best ones you can find on the internet (Amazon links):
- Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals
- Gemstone & Crystal Properties (Quick Study Home)
- Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Rocks and Minerals (National Geographic Kids)
Conclusion
Selenite, especially in its crystalline form, is arguably one of the most exquisite variations of gypsum. The hourglass selenite found in Oklahoma is a prime example, captivating collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The enchanting selenite roses are equally stunning and make a cherished addition to any collection. If you’re eager to uncover selenite near you, keep in mind the tips we’ve discussed. Seek out this captivating mineral in the environments and states mentioned above. Happy hunting!
TIP: Selenite, a stunning variety of gypsum, is abundant and readily available in high quality. You can easily discover this beautiful mineral on various online platforms and at mineral shows. Delve into the details below and learn more about this fascinating gem!
Selenite Value: Main Factors & Prices for Different Units