Not Your Grandfathers Mining Industry, Nova Scotia, Canada

Before computerized special effects, Hollywood often used crushed gypsum or salt to make fake snow. Christmas movies were usually shot in the middle of summer - in California heat! - so snow had to be faked.

Superman's Fortress of Solitude in the 1978 movie? Mainly salt and styrofoam.

Scene inside Superman's fortress.

Explore more examples of minerals in movies: The Crown, Games of Thrones, Downton Abbey, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Superman, James Bond, Broadchurch, Locke and Key, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and others.