The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-10-12
A MONSTER CRYSTAL eEoDE.
An Ese-Shaped Shell Of Gypsum Thirty.
Five Feet Long.

An Ess-Shaped Shell Of Gypsum Thirty.
Five Feet Long.
Those of our readers who are at all
interested in the study of rocks and
stones have proba bly, observed some Of
the peculiar concretions or nodules
which frequently occur in certain kinds
of stratified rock. These structures arc
usually rounded: some of them, indeed.
are almost perfect spheres, and many
are hollow, having their inner walls
covered with beautiful crystals Such
a hollow nodule, whether possessing a
crystalline lining or not, is known as q
geode. Now, l wish to tell you Of
geode which in form and appearance,
and proba bly, also in process of forma-
ton, is very much like these referred
to, but of mammoth proportions.
1t is composed of spure gypsum or
selenite, and many of the single crystals
are of gigantic size. This wonderful
formation was discovered within few
miles of the majestic Henry mountains
in southern Utah. 1t is situated in a
small tributary of the Fremont canyon,
and this Pin turn leads to the Grand
canyon Of the Colorado. Having once
visited the formation in the course of
summers exploring trip. I could not,
feel contented until arrangements had,
been made for another journey to the
place, with equipments for properly
studying the occurrence. A few months
ago sour small party. provided with
necessary riding horses and wagons.
camp eeuipage, instruments and tools,
set out from the railway terminus to-
ward the selenits deposit.
After q weeks journey from the rail-
way we went into camp at the selenite
deposit. The crystals occur in a cave.
which is inelosed in shell of gypsum,
and this mound-like structure stands
on the side of sandstone hill. This is
the geode which we have come to see
What a contrast with the hard speci-
mems we have been accustomed to ex-
anime. From without the mound ap-
pears to be roughly egg-shaped; it is
almost thirtyfve feet long. ten feet
wide, and averages twenty feet from
the ground on the lower side to the
top. 1t is composed entirely of selenite.
even the outside exhibiting multitude
of crystal faces, which sparkle in the
sunlight with brilliancy that COM
mands admiration from a distance OF
miles. On the east end An opening oc-
ours large enough to admit man with
out discomfort; within one may make
his way backward about twenty-five
feet, and by exercising care he may
Chamber up between the crystals to
height of fifteen feet.
The inner walls bear a multitude of
huge crystals, which project into the
cavern from either side, few extend
ing completely across like immense
beams. Several of the crystals which
have been sawn from the wall are even
larger and heavier than the body OF a
fullgrown man. Perfect prisms OF
selenite five feet in length are found
one of the finest TO be seen is ffty-one
inches long. and attached to one OF its
faces are nineteen smaller crystals
Twin crystals in great variety are com
mon, and groups, each containing
many beautiful prisms also occur
We took from the floor of the cavern
very large group. weighing over six
hundred pounds. containing numerous
individual crystals. Many OF the crys-
tails are of perfect transparency; Others
are covered with thin layer Of SAND
and clay. which must be removed that
the luster and purity of the substance
may be rendered apparent A few feet
below the floor. which is made m
mostly ~ So1I 5r:var II, by the wind
we found tina. the gypsum shell closes
in. forming, therefore. perfect nodule
or geode. Science News