Gypsum

specimen number:
8311173

location:
Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico

description:
Water clear gem quality sharp and perfect crystal of gypsum coming off matrix. In super condition. This is outstanding for the species.

Mining at Naica in Chihuahua, Mexico, is closely associated with one of the most remarkable gypsum occurrences in the world. The Naica Mine, primarily developed for the extraction of lead, zinc, and silver, became famous for its giant selenite crystals, a transparent variety of gypsum, found in deep underground chambers. These crystals formed under highly specific conditions involving mineral rich fluids, stable temperatures, and long periods of undisturbed growth. The most well known discovery is the Cave of the Crystals, where enormous gypsum crystals, some exceeding 10 meters in length, developed over hundreds of thousands of years. Mining operations required continuous pumping of groundwater, which allowed access to these chambers, but also meant that the crystals could only be studied while the mine was active. The Naica gypsum crystals are considered among the largest natural crystals ever found, making the locality unique in both geology and mineralogy.

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