Gypsum var. Selenite (fluorescent) on Siderite

Item Description

EXCEPTIONAL small-cabinet sized specimen from the historic Cavnic mining district in Romania, whose records date all the way back to 1336. Sitting dramatically and perfectly near the center of the matrix is a sharp and clear Selenite crystal. Doubly-terminated and 5.8 cm on edge, this excellent Gypsum crystal is both fronted and backed by smaller, doubly-terminated Selenites. In very good condition, together they comprise a beautiful cluster. Seeing the rear crystals right through the main crystal adds even more to the fascination and appeal, and the Gypsums have a lovely, bluish, moonlike fluorescence. The matrix is brown, epimorphed Siderite, with the contrasts in form and color between the two species elevating the aesthetics and mineralogical interest to an even higher level. Resembling a classic Gypsum from Naica, this is an exemplary specimen for this famous Romanian locale. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl, 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.