This is an example of Salina Blue. It’s a truly beautiful, captivating chalcedony, exhibiting a spectrum of colors ranging from a rich, vibrant blue to a more muted gray. A defining characteristic of Salina Blue is its translucence; it allows light to pass through, creating an ethereal quality, though it is not fully transparent. Furthermore, the color of this fascinating stone is not static. The blue coloration varies subtly, seeming to shift and dance between shades of blue and gray, depending on the angle and intensity or type of light illuminating it.
Salina Blue, a beautiful blue chalcedony that can rarely be found near Salina, Utah. The material is great for knapping and from time to time tools and arrowheads made from it can be seen in the Salina, Utah area. Note: It is illegal to pick up tools and arrowheads from public lands.
This captivating blue limestone breccia represents a more frequently encountered variety of Salina Blue, specifically located in the vicinity of Salina, Utah, making it a notable and accessible find for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Now You See It, Now You Don’t
Gray chalcedony from Salina, Utah
This somewhat grayish-blue chalcedony is quite commonly found in the Salina, Utah region. The interesting thing about this material is that when you discover it in its natural environment, it can look like a stunning, vibrant specimen of Salina Blue. However, once you bring it back home and observe it under different lighting conditions, you might notice a shift in its appearance, often appearing more muted or gray. This color variation is a unique characteristic of this particular chalcedony, as its hue seems to adapt and respond to the surrounding illumination.
Amazing Geology
This beautiful and unique material was likely formed due to the seismic and volcanic activity that occurred in the area long ago. The combination of these geological forces created the distinct characteristics we see in Salina Blue, from its unique color variations to its interesting textures and formations. The area’s rich geological history has resulted in a fascinating array of rocks and minerals, making it a treasure trove for geology enthusiasts and collectors.
Within this image, volcanic rock formations are evident, protruding from the valley floor, serving as indicators of ancient stratovolcano complexes that were prevalent in the Salina, Utah region, approximately 40 to 25 million years ago, particularly within the Tushar Mountains and Sevier Plateau. Further away, the landscape reveals remnants of an ancient seabed, with the present-day hills exhibiting substantial quantities of selenite, which displays a reflective quality resembling fragmented glass under direct sunlight. At a greater distance, a mountain range, resulting from a north-to-south trending fault line can be seen.
Where do you find it
It can be found on the surface in several locations in the hills around Salina, Aurora, and Redmond in Central Utah.
What are the coordinates for the blue Salina chalcedony please. Would love to get a couple of these beautiful rocks.
I’m sorry. I never share the exact location of any rockhounding sites. I learned my lesson years ago when I shared a location and within a year the beautiful jasper was completely gone.
I can tell you that it can be found in several locations around Salina.