An update, I couldn't remember the name of the crystals on the dry lake bed but Dave Freeman provided me with the answer:
The crystals are selenite, or gypsum, an evaporate mineral. The strange home I was told were made by some kind of beetle. The mascot is none other than Captain Chondrite. Best Regards, Adam ______________________________________________ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
