Moqui Marbles Redux

Photographer: Bret Webster Summary Author: Bret WebsterShown above are the famed Moqui Marbles found in southern Utah. Of course, they're not marbles but rather concretions having iron (hematite) rinds. The origin of these 1/2 inch to 2 inch (1 cm-5 cm) diameter stones helps lend insights to similar rock features observed on Mars, where they're referred to as blueberries. It's thought that both formed as a result of quite complex chemistry and solution geology when naturally occurring minerals below the surface precipitated from flowing groundwater.

The exact location of the Moqui Marbles isn't publicized because otherwise poachers would move in with rakes (in the middle of the night during storms) to steal them for resale at rock shops, etc. I was lucky enough to be with a Bureau of Land Management ranger who took me to this site to help document their remarkable setting. Photo taken on April 5, 2013. 

Moqui, Utah Coordinates: 37.120958, -112.564201

Related Links:Moqui Marbles and Martian BlueberriesBret’s Website