Gypsum (hard to find material)

Item Description

Gypsum is not terribly common from Bolivia, especially in the various ore bodies, but around 2005 there was a find of these distinct looking Gypsum specimens at Uyuni or Salar de Uyuni as it is properly called. This locality is actually the largest salt flat in the world covering over 10,000 square kilometers, and sitting at an altitude of over 12,000 feet (3,650 meters)! This area would produce more crystallized mineral specimens that virtually any locality in the world as there are several billion crystallized Halite specimens underneath the salt bed. It is simply amazing to see this giant flat area of whitish flat ground stretching in every direction, which is only interrupted by large, protruding volcanic rock "fingers" that ascend directly into the air like small steep "islands" in the Southern Pacific. This area only produces a few species, but these Gypsum specimens are unique, and unlike any other that I've seen from this area. This specimen comprises several semi lustrous, translucent, light yellow color, disc-shaped crystals forming an attractive display specimen. The largest "disc" measures 2.0 cm across. They show an interesting yellowish-white fluorescence under SW UV light as well. I've had the material tested to confirm that it is indeed Gypsum and not Ulexite. There were only a handful of these specimens, and I have not seen any more in many years, so be sure to scoop this one up. Valued at $1200 in the inventory.