Rare mineral mounds discovered near shore of Great Salt Lake

Geologists say some very rare mineral mounds have been found near the north shore of the Great Salt Lake.

Mark Milligan with the Utah Geological Survey says the four white mounds are made from a mineral called Mirabilite, which crystallizes into unique formations under the right conditions.

The formations have been spotted in the Arctic and on Mars, but never before at the Great Salt Lake.

Researchers are continuing to look into what caused the mounds to form before they disintegrate within the next few months.

Milligan did a close examination of one of the mounds and pointed out some of its features.