| Leucite Hills | |
|---|---|
  Leucite Hills Location in Wyoming | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Steamboat Mountain |
| Elevation | 8,630 ft (2,630 m) [1] |
| Coordinates | 41°52′26″N108°47′43″W / 41.87389°N 108.79528°W |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Wyoming |
| District | Sweetwater County |
| Parent range | Rock Springs Uplift |
| Geology | |
| Rock age | Pleistocene |
| Rock type | Lamproite |
The Leucite Hills are an isolated volcanic field located in Sweetwater County, in southwestern Wyoming. The area is situated on the northern flank of the Rock Springs Uplift within the Green River Basin. Known to petrologists as one of the largest and most significant lamproite provinces in the world, the field consists of 22 distinct volcanic features, including lava-capped mesas, buttes, cinder cones, dikes, and volcanic necks, including Boars Tusk. The lamproite has been named "Wyomingite" in this region. Radiometric dating places eruptive events between 3.0 and 0.89 million years ago. [2] These volcanic eruptions tore through the existing Cretaceous and Teritiary sedimentary rocks, such as the Green River Formation and Wasatch Formation. [3]
Contents
The Leucite Hills are the result of "deep-sourced" magmatism, with magma originating from partial melting of the metasomatized Archean mantle at depths exceeding 90 miles. [4] This magmatic activity caused deep crustal fractures, particularly the northwest-trending Farson Lineament. [5] The resulting landforms include prominent landmarks such as Boars Tusk, a 400-foot volcanic neck, and Zirkel Mesa, the largest lava flow in the area. [6]
Several rare, potassium-rich igneous rocks can be found in the area. These have been historically classified into three main types: Wyomingite, Orendite, and Madupite. [7] Given the high potassium content, the rocks were viewed as a potential domestic source of potash for fertilizer during the early 20th century. [8] The Wyoming State Geological Survey has conducted reconnaissance for diamond potential, as lamproites can host diamonds, though no commercial deposits have been found. [9]
Gem-quality olivine (peridot) has been identified in the northeastern portion of the field. [10]
The surrounding Rock Springs Uplift is a major province for natural gas and coal production. [11]
The Killpecker Sand Dunes are located nearby, part of Wyoming's Red Desert. The Leucite Hills create a natural "gap" or funnel. Prevailing westerly winds carry sand and silt from the Green River Basin and the Wind River Mountains; as these winds are squeezed through the gap between the Leucite Hills and the surrounding uplands, they accelerate and then drop their sediment load on the leeward side, creating the massive dune field. [12] [13]
