Stop 7: Calcite Sand Crystals

"Sand" crystals were formed when calcite replaced gypsum.

NPS/Eric Grunwald

Quick Facts

Location:

41.836743, -103.696562

Amenities

1 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot

Between the second and third switchbacks on the northeast side of Scotts Bluff, look for sand crystals in the horizontally stratified sandstone of the Gering Formation. The disk-like shape of the crystals indicates to geologists that they were formed by the growth of gypsum which has since been replaced with calcite. 

To get to the next stop on the tour, head down the trail until about 65 feet before the foot tunnel.