Rattlesnake Butte

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Jackson County, South Dakota, USA

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Key Information

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  • Rattlesnake Butte is in Jackson County, South Dakota, USA, part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, known for sand-included calcite.

  • It features unique calcite crystals with sand inclusions, a rare find for collectors.

  • The site is closed to collecting, managed by the National Park Service and Oglala Sioux Tribe, with historical collection in the 1960s.

  • The area has a continental climate, likely influencing calcite formation through precipitation.

Geographic Location

Rattlesnake Butte is located at approximately 43° 25’ 50’’ North, 101° 55’ 46’’ West, in Jackson County, South Dakota, USA. This southwestern part of the state is near the borders with Nebraska and Wyoming, with nearby towns including Allen, Kyle, Wanblee, Martin, and Interior. It’s part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, home to the Oglala Lakota tribe, adding cultural depth to its significance.

Minerals Produced

The butte is famous for its sand-included calcite, or sand-calcite, where calcite crystals incorporate sand grains, creating a unique appearance. This variety is rare and highly valued by mineral enthusiasts.

Geological Structure

The area consists of sedimentary rocks like sandstone and siltstone, where calcite forms by growing in a sandy matrix, capturing sand grains during precipitation.

Mining History

Historically, sand-calcite was collected in the 1960s, but the site is now a National Natural Landmark, closed to collecting, and managed by the National Park Service and Oglala Sioux Tribe.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, it’s tied to the Oglala Lakota tribe’s rich cultural heritage, with buttes often holding spiritual importance in their traditions.

Climate and Ecology

The continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers, likely influences calcite formation through precipitation patterns, supporting the hydrological conditions needed for crystal growth.

Citations