Spotted Lake or Lake khiluk in Canada is richly concentrated with various minerals. It contains dense deposits of magnesium sulfate, calcium, and sodium sulfates. It also contains high concentrations of eight other minerals and lower amounts of silver and titanium.
Most of the water in the lake evaporates over the summer,
revealing colorful mineral deposits. Large ‘spots’ on the lake appear and are
colored according to the mineral composition and seasonal amount of
precipitation. Magnesium sulfate, which crystallizes in the summer, is a major
contributor to spot color.
Originally known to the First Nations of the Okanagan Valley (Native American Tribe) as Khiluk, Spotted Lake was for centuries and remains revered as a sacred site thought to provide therapeutic waters. It is the most mineralized lake in the world. Each spot holds a different cure due to the unique chemical content found within each puddle. Lake Khiluk is considered a saline endorheic alkali lake. The Okanagan tribe used the water in the spots to treat conditions such as warts, skin disease, body aches, and battle wounds. During World War I, the minerals of Spotted Lake were used in manufacturing ammunition.
Today, there is a roadside sign telling visitors that the
lake is a cultural and ecologically sensitive area and a traditional medicine
lake for the Okanagan Syilx people. The lake can be viewed from the fence that
has been erected for protection from the liabilities of public access.
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