Glitter Mountain -

Glitter Mountain, also known as “Old Gypsum Crystal Mine” or “Sparkle Mountain,” is a site located in the Northern Arizona desert, not far from the Utah border. It’s known for its large selenite crystals, which have a glittery, shiny appearance, thus earning it the nickname “Glitter Mountain”. Visitors to Glitter Mountain can find and collect small amounts of these shiny crystals directly from the surface of the site.

The mine is no longer active, but visitors are still allowed to come and explore. However, the owner of the mineral rights has asked that visitors do not take any of the gypsum. There are plenty of small pieces on the ground that you can take as a souvenir.

Where is Glitter Mountain?

Glitter Mountain is not actually located in St. George, Utah. It is located in Littlefield, Arizona, which is about 25 minutes from St. George.

The address of Glitter Mountain is:

Old Gypsum Crystal Mine
10691 N Littlefield Rd
Littlefield, AZ 86432

Google map

Arizona Border

Glitter Mountain is located in Arizona, about 3 miles from the Utah border. The closest Arizona border crossing to Glitter Mountain is at Littlefield, Arizona, on Highway 91.

The border crossing is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a small fee to cross the border.

Glitter mountain hours

Glitter Mountain , Arizona, is open to the public during daylight hours. There are no set hours, but it is usually open from sunrise to sunset.

Please note that the mine is private property and the owner has asked that visitors do not trespass. There is a locked gate at the entrance to the mine and visitors are asked to stay outside the gate.

There are plenty of small pieces of gypsum on the ground that you can take as a souvenir. However, please do not take any of the gypsum from the mine itself.

Fee of Glitter Mountain

There is no fee to visit Glitter Mountain. However, the owner of the mineral rights has asked that visitors do not take any of the gypsum. There are plenty of small pieces on the ground that you can take as a souvenir.

Sunshine Trail

Sunshine Trail is a short, easy hike in Glitter Mountain, Arizona. It is a popular destination for families and rockhounds alike, as the trail is lined with sparkling pieces of gypsum.

The trail is a loop that is about 1 mile long. It is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.The trailhead is located at the base of Glitter Mountain. There is a small parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

The trail is lined with sparkling pieces of gypsum. Gypsum is a mineral that is formed when calcium sulfate evaporates. It is often found in deserts. The gypsum at Glitter Mountain is clear and translucent, and it sparkles in the sunlight.The trail also offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Visitors are welcome to take small pieces of gypsum from the trail, but please be respectful and leave enough for others to enjoy.

Large Pit in Glitter Mountain

The large pit in Glitter Mountain is an old gypsum mine. Gypsum is a mineral that is used to make plaster, drywall, and other building materials. The mine was active in the early 20th century, but it has been closed for many years.

The pit is about 200 feet deep and 300 feet wide. It is surrounded by piles of gypsum rocks and tailings. The gypsum in the pit is clear and translucent, and it sparkles in the sunlight.

The pit is an impressive sight, but it is also dangerous. The walls of the pit are unstable and could collapse at any time. Visitors are advised to stay outside of the pit and to admire it from a distance.

Glitter mine

The “glitter mine” refers colloquially to the selenite quarry often called “Glitter Mountain” or the “Old Gypsum Crystal Mine” situated in Northern Arizona near the Arizona-Utah border. This mine is famous for its large selenite crystals, which resemble glitter due to their sparkle in the sunlight, thus the name.

Glittery white shiny rock

A glittery white shiny rock could be any one of several different mineral or rock types. Here are a few possibilities:

Quartz: A hard, crystalline mineral that can appear shiny and white, especially in its more pure forms.
Mica: Known for its shiny, glittery appearance, it can be white or light-colored. It tends to form in sheets or flakes.
Gypsum: This mineral can be found in various forms, including the selenite variety, which has a shiny, vitreous luster. It can appear white or colorless.
Feldspar: A group of rock-forming minerals that can appear white and often have a shiny, pearly luster.
Calcite: A common mineral found in a variety of forms, it can be white and shiny, especially when it forms in crystalline structures.
Marble: This is a type of metamorphic rock derived from limestone that can appear white and somewhat shiny, especially when polished.
Chalk: A form of limestone composed of the mineral calcite, it can sometimes have a shiny surface, especially when wet.

What gems are found in mountains?

There are many different types of gems that can be found in mountains, but some of the most common include:

Diamond: Diamonds are the hardest natural substance known to man and are found in kimberlite pipes, which are formed when molten rock rises from deep within the Earth’s mantle.
Ruby: Rubies are a type of corundum, which is a mineral that is also found in sapphires. Rubies are red in color and are found in metamorphic rocks, such as schist and gneiss.
Sapphire: Sapphires are a type of corundum, which is a mineral that is also found in rubies. Sapphires are blue in color and are found in metamorphic rocks, such as schist and gneiss.
Emerald: Emeralds are a type of beryl, which is a mineral that is also found in aquamarine. Emeralds are green in color and are found in pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks.
Topaz: Topaz is a mineral that can be found in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, yellow, and brown. Topaz is found in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins.
Amethyst: Amethyst is a type of quartz that is purple in color. Amethyst is found in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins.
Garnet: Garnets are a group of minerals that can be found in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, and black. Garnets are found in metamorphic rocks, such as schist and gneiss, and in igneous rocks, such as granite.
Turquoise: Turquoise is a mineral that is blue to green in color. Turquoise is found in sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and shale.
Opal: Opal is a mineral that can be found in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red, blue, green, and black. Opal is found in sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and shale.

Selenite mine

Selenite is a mineral variety of gypsum, which is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. It is a transparent crystal that can be found in various forms such as selenite, satin spar, desert rose, and gypsum flower. Some of the largest crystals ever found are of selenite, the largest specimen found in the Naica Mine’s Cave of the Crystals being 12 meters long and weighing 55 tons.

Where does all the glitter go?

The whereabouts of all the glitter in the world is a mystery that has been the subject of much speculation. Some people believe that it is being used in military applications, while others think it is being used in consumer products. There is no definitive answer, but some of the most likely places where glitter is going include:

Cosmetics and beauty products: Glitter is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and beauty products, such as eye shadow, lip gloss, and body glitter. It is used to add sparkle and shine to these products.
Crafting supplies: Glitter is also a popular ingredient in crafting supplies, such as scrapbooking paper, greeting cards, and jewelry making kits. It is used to add a touch of sparkle and personality to these projects.
Party supplies: Glitter is a popular decoration for parties and events. It is used to make streamers, balloons, and other decorations sparkle.
Industrial applications: Glitter is also used in some industrial applications, such as in the production of automotive paint and plastics. It is used to add a reflective or iridescent finish to these products.
The environment: Unfortunately, some glitter also ends up in the environment, where it can pollute waterways and harm wildlife.

The exact amount of glitter that is produced and used each year is unknown, but it is estimated to be in the billions of pounds. These makes glitter a major contributor to microplastic pollution.

There are a number of ways to reduce your use of glitter, such as choosing products that do not contain glitter or using biodegradable glitter alternatives. You can also help to reduce glitter pollution by disposing of glitter properly.

Things to do in Glitter Mountain

Glitter Mountain, also known as the Old Gypsum Crystal Mine, is a popular destination for those interested in rock hounding and enjoying natural formations. Here are some activities you might consider when visiting:

Rock Hounding: Collecting small amounts of the glittery selenite crystals can be a fascinating activity. You can learn about the different types of crystals and how they form while you’re there.
Photography: The area offers unique photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light can make the crystals sparkle even more.
Hiking: The surrounding area offers numerous hiking opportunities where you can enjoy the beauty of the desert landscape.
Bird Watching: Depending on the season, the region might offer some bird-watching opportunities.
Stargazing: The remote location away from city lights can provide a great opportunity for stargazing during clear nights.
Picnicking: You can enjoy a picnic in the surrounding areas, with the beautiful and unique backdrop of Glitter Mountain.
Educational Trip: If you are visiting with family or a group, it can be an educational trip where you learn more about the geology and the ecosystem of the region.

Can glitter burn?

Yes, glitter can burn. It is made of plastic, which is a flammable material. When glitter is exposed to heat, it can melt and then catch fire. This is why it is important to be careful when using glitter around open flames.

Glitter can also be a fire hazard if it is thrown into a fire. The small pieces of plastic can easily ignite and spread the fire. For this reason, it is important to never throw glitter into a fire.

If you are using glitter in a craft project, it is important to take precautions to prevent it from catching fire. Here are a few tips:

Work in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid using glitter near open flames.
Be careful when using hot glue or other heat-producing tools.
If you are using glitter in a candle, make sure the candle is in a heat-proof container.

Glitter’s impact on the environment

Glitter is a type of microplastic, which are tiny plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size. Microplastics can pollute the environment in a number of ways, including:

Ending up in waterways: Glitter can be washed down the drain or thrown away, and it can end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Once in the water, microplastics can be ingested by fish and other marine life.
Entering the food chain: When fish and other marine life ingest microplastics, these particles can then be passed on to humans who eat seafood.
Accumulating in the environment: Microplastics can accumulate in the environment, where they can persist for many years. This can have a negative impact on wildlife and ecosystems.
Interfering with biological processes: Microplastics can interfere with the biological processes of organisms, such as their feeding and reproduction.
Being toxic to organisms: Microplastics can be toxic to organisms, and they can cause a variety of health problems.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the environmental impact of glitter, including:

Choose biodegradable glitter: There are a number of biodegradable glitter alternatives available, such as glitter made from cellulose or mica.
Avoid using glitter: If possible, avoid using glitter altogether. There are many other ways to add sparkle to your projects without using glitter.
Dispose of glitter properly: If you do use glitter, be sure to dispose of it properly. Do not flush it down the drain or throw it in the trash. Instead, put it in the recycling bin or compost pile.

Do you want to read Brick City Adventure Park or Park City Spring Break ??

Glitter mountain reviews

Here are some snippets from the reviews of Glitter mountain:

“Glitter Mountain was absolutely beautiful. Never in my life have I seen a gemstone deposit like this in person. There is no need to bring equipment, as there are pieces scattered around the site that people are welcome to take for a small price. Glitter Mountain does run on an honor system payment. I really enjoyed walking around and being able to pick up pieces just to look at them.”
“Nice place to find selenite. Out a ways from much of anything but an easy drive from St George. Gravel road accessible with a stock Jeep Cherokee. This is an active mine claim but lots of pieces leftover on the ground without going into the mine itself. I had cell service all the way there and easily found it with google maps. Be sure to look for Little Black Mountains petroglyphs as they are nearby.”

Gypsum mines in the US

Here’s a list of gypsum mines in the US:

Blue Rapids Mine, Kansas: This mine is located in Ellsworth County, Kansas, and is operated by National Gypsum Company. It is one of the largest gypsum mines in the world, and it produces gypsum for use in drywall, wallboard, and other building materials.
Southard Mine, Oklahoma: This mine is located in Blaine County, Oklahoma, and is operated by USG Corporation. It is the second largest gypsum mine in the US, and it produces gypsum for use in drywall, wallboard, and other building materials.
Fort Dodge Mine, Iowa: This mine is located in Webster County, Iowa, and is operated by Georgia-Pacific Gypsum. It is the third largest gypsum mine in the US, and it produces gypsum for use in drywall, wallboard, and other building materials.
Gertie No. 3 Mine, Texas: This mine is located in Guadalupe County, Texas, and is operated by National Gypsum Company. It is the fourth largest gypsum mine in the US, and it produces gypsum for use in drywall, wallboard, and other building materials.
Wallboard Mine, Michigan: This mine is located in Iosco County, Michigan, and is operated by USG Corporation. It is the fifth largest gypsum mine in the US, and it produces gypsum for use in drywall, wallboard, and other building materials.

These are just a few of the many gypsum mines in the US. Gypsum is a versatile mineral that is used in a variety of products, and it is an important part of the US economy.

Arizona Gemstones

Arizona is a treasure trove for gemstone enthusiasts, boasting a diverse array of precious and semi-precious stones waiting to be discovered. Here are some of the most prized Arizona gemstones:

Turquoise: Arizona’s official gemstone, turquoise, is renowned for its vibrant blue-green hues. The state’s most famous turquoise comes from the Sleeping Beauty Mine near Globe, known for its intense color and lack of matrix.
Peridot: Arizona is the only state in the US with commercially viable peridot deposits. This lime-green gemstone is found in the San Carlos Apache Reservation and is known for its clarity and brilliance.
Petrified Wood: Arizona’s petrified wood is not technically a gemstone, but its beauty and fossilized history make it a popular collector’s item. The Petrified Forest National Park is home to some of the most spectacular petrified wood in the world.
Amethyst: Arizona’s amethyst deposits are found in the Four Corners region. The amethyst here ranges in color from pale lavender to deep purple and is often prized for its clarity and faceting potential.
Garnet: Arizona’s garnets come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, and green. The most famous garnets are found in the Red Rock Country near Sedona, where they can be found in colorful schists and gneisses.

Beyond these famous finds, Arizona also boasts a wealth of other gemstones, including agates, jaspers, opals, chrysocolla, and malachite. With its diverse geology and rich mining history, Arizona is a true paradise for rockhounds and gemstone lovers.