Detailed information
Species
Gypsum, var. Selenite
Dimensions
163 x 103 x 75
mm
Weight
784 g
Locality
Morocco
Condition
No recorded repairs
Morocco is a remarkable country for fine mineral specimens, but perhaps surprisingly Gypsum is not usually one of them. This large (12 x 10 cm) well-formed Selenite crystal has no more accurate provenance than "Morocco", but is a lovely distinctive specimen. Growing out from a sandy coloured matrix coated in tiny Calcite crystals is a large and unusually shaped Selenite crystal. Its distinctive lenticular, disc-like shape has a very slightly domed convex surface with a silky to matt lustre and is translucent frosted internally. In stark contrast the thin edges are stepped, but totally transparent. Although frosted internally some detail of the matrix can be seen through the side of the crystal with the underlying layer of Calcite crystals drawing attention.