Science is Fun Fridays!

 

Mirabilite mounds are making an appearance on the Great Salt Lake.

These crystalline formations have only be found in four places in the world, because of the extremely specific conditions required.  

The south arm of the lakebed has underground springs rich in sodium sulfate.  When the water rises and collides with the cold winter air in such a dry environment, it stabilizes as mirabilite, creating crystal terraces.

Mirabilite is also known as Glauber's salt.  As a mineral, it is found in several areas within the Mammoth Cave System in Kentucky, and has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine.