Gypsum ("Desert Rose")

Item Description

A classic specimen of the famous "desert rose" or "sand rose" Gypsum specimens from Algeria. The material formed from the evaportaion of anicent lakes, and the sand / particulate at bottom of these lake beds finds its way into the Gypsum crystals as they're forming. These specimens have been coming out sporadically for several decades, but the politics of Algeria may contribute to their scarcity on the market. I personally acquired this piece from the man who collected it in Algeria. Soft beige colored compressed crystals of Gypsum have intergrown to from the "rose" shaped groups, free of matrix. A little bit of damage here and there, but good shape overall, and showy and attractive for the material. The piece even shows an interesting fluorescence under UV light. The largest crystal measures 2.1 cm.