|
|
Spotted
Lake is visible from the road, 8.8 kms (5.5 miles) west of
Osoyoos on Hwy. 3 ….a rare and unique natural phenomenon covering 15.2
hectares (38 acres). It contains one of the worlds highest
concentrations of minerals: magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts), calcium
and sodium sulphates, plus eight other minerals and traces of four more,
including silver and titanium.
The
therapeutic value of Spotted Lake has always proved interesting,
however other uses were found for the minerals. During WWI, Chinese
labourers were employed skimming the salts from the surface of the lake.
The product was then shipped to Eastern American munitions
factories.
Yield
is said to have reached a ton per day. In the hot sun of summer, the
water of Spotted Lake evaporates and crystallizes the minerals, forming
many white-rimmed circles: shallow pools that reflect the mineral
content of the water in shades of blues and greens.