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29 April 2024
Beneath the sun-baked soil of Glendale lies a hidden treasure: a sprawling underground expanse deeper than the Grand Canyon itself. This colossal phenomenon, known as the Luke Salt Body, spans an estimated 10,000 feet in thickness and covers an expansive 40 square miles of desert terrain.
A geological marvel boasting a remarkable purity of 99.9 percent, the Luke Salt Body played a pivotal role in driving Arizona’s late postwar economic boom. Even decades later, it continues to be a cornerstone of productivity.
Morton Salt, a company that has mastered the art of mining the deposit, is responsible for harnessing the wealth of this underground treasure trove. Their operations yield dazzling white stockpiles of salt, a sight that can deceive visitors into mistaking them for snow, especially during scorching triple-digit temperatures.
The first indication of the Luke Salt Body occurred in 1952. An irrigation well drilled for Goodyear Farms produced saline water with an almost pure sodium-chloride chemistry that was worthless for growing crops. Fifteen years later, scientist Gerald Grott recognized that the water quality might indicate an unusual feature. In conjunction with a recent geophysical map, he thought there was a high probability of an extensive salt deposit beneath the West Valley.
The first indication of the Luke Salt Body occurred in 1952. An irrigation well drilled for Goodyear Farms produced saline water with an almost pure sodium-chloride chemistry that was worthless for growing crops. Fifteen years later, scientist Gerald Grott recognized that the water quality might indicate an unusual feature. In conjunction with a recent geophysical map, he thought there was a high probability of an extensive salt deposit beneath the West Valley.
Scientist Gerald Grott’s theory was not just a hypothesis, but a revelation. His discovery near Glendale and Dysart roads was nothing short of astounding — the formation could potentially meet the salt needs of the entire U.S. for the next 200 years, a testament to the vast resources of the Luke Salt Body.
Grott’s talent was as a scientific visionary, not a businessman, but he had taken a big chunk of the salt pellet market from Morton. Morton Salt bought the 132-acre facility and its 98 acres of brine evaporation ponds in 1985.
The story of the Luke Salt Body is a testament to the remarkable wealth that lies beneath Arizona’s arid landscape. As Morton Salt continues to mine this invaluable resource, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of discovery, innovation, and economic prosperity that characterizes the Grand Canyon State.
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