Gypsum (classic ''floater'' specimen)

Item Description

Gypsum is a widespread mineral species, so it takes a lot for certain pieces to stand out from other. I would say that the specimens from the Red River Floodway in Manitoba, Canada are some of the most iconic and instantly recognizable specimens out there. Their beautiful form combined with excellent quality crystals make them a must have for any fan of Gypsum as a species, or fine crystallization. When these specimens first came to the market, many collectors thought that that they were some of the most impressive, flashy and colorful specimens of Gypsum from any world locality. This small cabinet specimen features a pair of classic "fishtail" twins of Gypsum of a light golden color measuring up to 3.7 cm, sitting on a crystallized "ball" of Gypsum consisting of little razor-sharp, very well-formed, gemmy, sandy golden color, blades. This piece is a complete "floater", and formed in a calcium clay/sediment, with no point of attachment whatsoever. Once the sediment was rinsed off, the perfect specimen was revealed. The piece is beautifully fluorescent as well! Another important aspect of this specimen is that it is NOT repaired, which makes a difference with this material, as many were glued back together. Don't miss out on what I'm sure will be considered a Canadian "classic" in years to come. Excellent size, form, aesthetics and quality. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#25 C), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the next two to three years through our various platforms.