These mountains are oh so fine
They are said to really shine
The Gloss Mountain area was originally an inland ocean. The white gypsum crystals and rock layers were formed as calcium sulfate saturated the water which was trapped in the mud of the sea floor. Over time, both shale and gypsum were buried beneath several thousand feet of more recent sediments. Development of the Rocky Mountains caused the broad uplift of the Western United States. This uplift raised all of Oklahoma above sea level. Ongoing erosion began exposing the shale and gypsum layers - now known as the Gloss Mountains!
Is it Glass or Gloss Mountains? That's the question! Glass Mountains was first used in 1873 on a map issued by the US General Land Office. In 1875, a second map labeled this areas as the Gloss Mountains but it was apparently a drafting error. Locals still refer to them as the Gloss Mountains.
A few outlaws have roamed the land. Desperados like Dick Yeager took refuge in the rugged country.
The "white rings" of gypsum in this area is very high in purity; therefore, it's used in pharmaceuticals and food products - baking soda, bread, candy, beer.
For more information, visit: http://www.okmajordev.org/gloss-mountain-state-park.html
