LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 January Signature Natural History #5000  / 

48197

Selenite Group

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Rocks, Fossils & Minerals Start Price:575.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Selenite Group
<B>SELENITE GROUP</B></I><BR> <I>Naica, Municipio de Saucillo,Chihuahua, Mexico</B></I><BR>Mining operations in the silver mines of Mexico are infrequently enlivened by the discovery of natural caverns deep within the mines. This is an occasion of considerable joy among the miners who supplement their incomes by 'harvesting' specimens of non-ore minerals from these places. Besides the usual stalactites and stalagmites, there are some caverns that host crystal groups of selenite; the transparent, crystalline variety of gypsum: (Ca[SO4] - 2H2O). Within these caves, colorless elongated "swords" grow in hot, mineral-rich waters that fill the caverns until they are breached or the water level drops. The result is a profusion of these crystals attached to all available surfaces. Sizes range from microscopic to "telephone-poles" ten meters long and a meter in diameter. This group of randomly oriented prisms displays the "fish-tail" terminations seen occasionally. From the base of the specimen to the tip of the tallest crystal measures 11 inches with horizontal dimensions of 11 inches wide by 7 inches deep. There is a minor amount of damage to one crystal, otherwise the condition is fine.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot