Gypsum var: Selenite with Quartz ''casts'' after Anhydrite

Item Description

A dramatic, large, very sharp, well-formed, lustrous, doubly-terminated, old-time crystal of GEM QUALITY colorless Gypsum var: Selenite on matrix from the famous Naica Mine in Mexico. This renowned locality is one of the most prolific mineral specimen mines in Mexico and is famously home to the most exemplary Gypsum crystals ever discovered (the famous "Cave of Swords" and "Giant Crystal Cave") with individual crystals measuring up to 11.40 meters (approximately 37.4 feet). Not only is the Gypsum crystal on this piece spectacular, but it's also highlighted by a few "casts" (epimorphs/perimorphs) of pyramidal Quartz crystals which have replaced preexisting Anhydrite, which was dissolved away, leaving hollow impressions in the Quartz. This piece is a fantastic example of these older crystals (found 1960s-1970s) and would make a stellar addition to any collection. No real damage that I can find. The piece is so showy and aesthetic, and it has so much character, it's certainly one of the more impressive examples we've seen from the locality. Valued $3,000-$5,000.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#288 M), 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. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the next two to three years through our various platforms.