Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Selenite Crystal Digging Area
Jet, Oklahoma
hourglass selenite crystalsgypsumselenite clusters
Public land, rules apply · Free
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Selenite Crystal Digging Area
This is the only place on earth that yields hourglass selenite — gypsum crystals with rusty sand trapped inside in the shape of an hourglass. You dig a hole about two feet deep in the salt flat, flood it, and feel around for crystals with your hands. Note the address: the dig area belongs to the national wildlife refuge, not to Great Salt Plains State Park across the lake.
The card catalog
| What you can find | hourglass selenite crystals, gypsum, selenite clusters |
|---|---|
| Access | Public land, rules apply — Free |
| Fees | Free — the refuge calls it a free activity for everyone. Limit is 10 pounds plus one large cluster per person per day, and selling what you dig is prohibited. |
| Season & hours | Open April 1 through October 15 only, every day sunrise to sunset. Digging outside that window, or outside the Dig Area marked with orange signs, is prohibited to protect wildlife including whooping cranes. Refuge information: 580-626-4794. |
| Kids | Family-friendly — One of the best family digs in the region — the technique is a two-foot hole, water poured around the rim, then feeling for crystals by hand. Bring a shovel, sun protection, and far more water than you think (you need it for drinking, rinsing crystals, and cleaning up). Pets must be leashed; drones are prohibited. |
| Official source | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Before you go
What does Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Selenite Crystal Digging Area cost?
Free — the refuge calls it a free activity for everyone. Limit is 10 pounds plus one large cluster per person per day, and selling what you dig is prohibited. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Selenite Crystal Digging Area open?
Open April 1 through October 15 only, every day sunrise to sunset. Digging outside that window, or outside the Dig Area marked with orange signs, is prohibited to protect wildlife including whooping cranes. Refuge information: 580-626-4794. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Selenite Crystal Digging Area good for kids?
Yes — Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge Selenite Crystal Digging Area works for families. One of the best family digs in the region — the technique is a two-foot hole, water poured around the rim, then feeling for crystals by hand. Bring a shovel, sun protection, and far more water than you think (you need it for drinking, rinsing crystals, and cleaning up). Pets must be leashed; drones are prohibited.