Selenite Range facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Selenite Range |
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 Location in Nevada
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Kumiva Peak |
| Elevation | 2,511 m (8,238 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| Region | Black Rock Desert |
| District | Pershing County |
| Range coordinates | 40°32′3″N 119°15′44″W / 40.53417°N 119.26222°W |
| Topo map | USGS Empire |
The Selenite Range is a mountain range found in western Pershing County, Nevada. This range stretches from north to south. It is about 27 miles (43 km) long and 4 miles (6.4 km) wide.
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Discovering the Selenite Range
The Selenite Range is a cool place to explore in Nevada. It's known for its unique minerals. The mountains stand tall in a mostly flat desert area.
Where is the Selenite Range Located?
To the west of the Selenite Range, you'll find the Fox Range. A large flat area called the San Emidio Desert valley and the southern part of the Black Rock Desert separate them.
Two small towns, Gerlach and Empire, are close to the range. They are located at the base of the mountains. These towns used to support the gypsum mines in the area.
What is Selenite?
The Selenite Range gets its name from a special mineral called selenite. Selenite is a type of gypsum. Gypsum is a soft mineral often used to make plaster and drywall.
There was once a big gypsum quarry near Luxor Peak. It was a busy place where people dug for this valuable mineral.
Famous Peaks in the Selenite Range
The Selenite Range has several named peaks. These are the highest points in the mountains. They are listed here from north to south:
- Selenite Peak, which is 7,115 feet (2,169 m) tall.
- Luxor Peak, standing at 7,420 feet (2,262 m).
- Kumiva Peak, the highest point at 8,820 feet (2,688 m).
- Purgatory Peak, reaching 7,417 feet (2,261 m).
- Mt. Limbo, which is 7,312 feet (2,229 m) high.
