Gypsum "cross" (rare England)

Item Description

Gypsum crystals with this style and form are VERY RARE from any locale in England. This is a striking and sculptural intergrown pair of waxy luster, transparent, colorless doubly terminated crystals with frosted faces, that form an impressive cross or "X", depending on the orientation. Complete all-around and essentially pristine, with only a couple of gently bruised tips. Certainly acceptable in the context of such a soft mineral. The two former dealer labels list this as from Bothenhampton, Dorset. MINDAT lists numerous Dorset gypsum localities, but no Bothenhampton. The five gypsum photos in the photo gallery bear no resemblance to this aesthetic piece. It resembles rare specimens from Kent, England or possibly from a pit in Oxfordshire. It looks like a Star Wars or Star Trek shuttle in the horizontal and the piece has numerous views.