Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park in Park County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Emerald Spring
The Secret is Sulphur
A hot spring’s color often indicates the presence of minerals. In a clear blue pool, the water is absorbing all the colors of sunlight except one – blue, which is reflected back to our eyes. Here in Emerald Spring’s pool, another factor joins with light refraction to give this spring its color. The 27-foot-deep pool (8 meters) is lined with yellow sulfur deposits. The yellow color from the sulfur combines with the reflected blue light, making the hot spring appear a magnificent emerald green.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 44° 43.544′ N, 110° 42.247′ W. Marker is in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, in Park County. It is in Mammoth. Marker can be reached from Grand Loop Road (U.S. 89). Marker is located in the Back Basin at the Norris Geyser Basin. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yellowstone National Park WY 82190, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Yellowstone National Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The National Park System (about 300 feet away); Norris Geyser Basin (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Norris Geyser Basin (about 400 feet away); The Norris Area (about 500 feet away); Minute Geyser (about 500 feet away); Fumaroles (about 700 feet away); Steamboat Geyser (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yellowstone National Park.
More about this marker. A photograph on the right side of the marker includes a caption of “Hot spring water and steam can dissolve and transport sulfur from underground. The mineral can deposit and crystallize at the earth’s surface – sometimes in hot spring pools.”
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 352 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 10, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on September 10, 2015.