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2.7" Water-Clear Selenite Crystals in Matrix - Mexico
This specimen contains incredibly clear selenite crystals, scattered throughout a fibrous matrix. These crystals come out of the Naica Mine in Chihuahua, Mexico, and for the most part are in beautiful condition. Most of the crystals have fine terminations on each corner, as well as magnificent translucency.
About Naica Selenite
Selenite from the Naica Mine in Chihuahua, Mexico is celebrated for its exceptional clarity and remarkable crystal size. The crystal caverns were accidentally discovered when miners drilling for lead, zinc, and silver broke into water-filled chambers. Once drained, these caves revealed enormous selenite crystals stretching from floor to ceiling, along with younger crystals in a wide range of sizes. The mine is also home to the famous Cave of Crystals, which contains some of the largest natural crystals ever found, though the specimens offered here do not originate from that specific chamber. Extreme heat, humidity, and lingering hydrothermal activity within the mine have made exploration and crystal removal difficult, limiting access to many of these deposits.
Selenite is a crystalline variety of gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄ · H₂O). In its purest form, gypsum is transparent and colorless, but trace impurities and growth conditions can produce a wide range of colors and crystal habits. Many gypsum varieties form through hydrothermal processes, including well-known forms such as desert rose selenite and satin spar, each reflecting the unique environmental conditions under which they grew.
Selenite from the Naica Mine in Chihuahua, Mexico is celebrated for its exceptional clarity and remarkable crystal size. The crystal caverns were accidentally discovered when miners drilling for lead, zinc, and silver broke into water-filled chambers. Once drained, these caves revealed enormous selenite crystals stretching from floor to ceiling, along with younger crystals in a wide range of sizes. The mine is also home to the famous Cave of Crystals, which contains some of the largest natural crystals ever found, though the specimens offered here do not originate from that specific chamber. Extreme heat, humidity, and lingering hydrothermal activity within the mine have made exploration and crystal removal difficult, limiting access to many of these deposits.
Selenite is a crystalline variety of gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄ · H₂O). In its purest form, gypsum is transparent and colorless, but trace impurities and growth conditions can produce a wide range of colors and crystal habits. Many gypsum varieties form through hydrothermal processes, including well-known forms such as desert rose selenite and satin spar, each reflecting the unique environmental conditions under which they grew.
SPECIES
Gypsum var. Selenite
LOCATION
Naica Mine, Chihuahua, Mexico
SIZE
2.7" long, 2.4" wide, longest crystal 1.1"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#45196
