Mirabilite formations on Great Salt Lake, explained [Video]

This article is published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative that partners news, education and media organizations to help inform people about the plight of the Great Salt Lake—and what can be done to make a difference before it is too late. Read all of our stories at greatsaltlakenews.org.

GREAT SALT LAKE, Utah — Rare mirabilite formations were recently spotted on the waters of Great Salt Lake. 

According to the Utah Division of State Parks, the rare mirabilite formations can only be found in a few areas; the Canadian Arctic, Antarctica, Central Spain, and Utah. 

The Utah Geological Survey said that mirabilite mounds form when water rich in sodium sulfate comes into contact with cold air. Crystals stick together, creating mounds. The mounds are composed of hydrated sodium sulfate, commonly known as Glauber’s salt. 

Mirabilite is common and found in saline lakes all over. Crystals form and reach the water’s surface, …