Gypsum (fluorescent) Kidwell Coll., floater cluster

Item Description

A striking 5.2 x 4.0 x 2.6 cm gem amber fishtail-twinned gypsum crystal with clay inclusions dominates this impressive large floater gypsum specimen from this well-known Manitoba locale. Large and small gypsum crystals dramatically project out in all directions from the ball. The high lustre and glassiness of the large blades adds real character to this piece. This fine floater is nearly pristine, with only trivial edge wear. Ghostly white fluorescence. Classic and excellent Red River Floodway gypsums like this came out in the 1980s and early 1990s. Every turn presents a strikingly different perspective on these unusual floater specimens. From the worldwide mineral collection of Albert Lewis Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008). Al was a well-known mineral collector and research geologist with Carter Oil Company and later Exxon Oil Company in Houston, Texas. The phosphate species Kidwellite was named in his honor in 1974. Valued at $1000-1500.