GYPSUM var. SELENITE. Niccioleta Mine, Massa Marittima, Grosseto Province, Tuscany, Italy. ... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

GYPSUM var. SELENITE
Niccioleta Mine, Massa Marittima, Grosseto Province, Tuscany, Italy

Before the Niccioleta Mine closed, quite a selection of different minerals were pried from the walls of fissures and cavities there; Selenite being one of them. Most of those Selenite groups were remarkably similar to ones from the Chubasco fissure in the Naica Mine in Chihuahua, Mexico showing a stubby, transparent habit. Additionally, there were a few that looked similar to specimens from the Cave of Swords; also at Naica. This form is quite elongated with a beveled termination that justifies the "sword" similes in the literature and photos. Very similar to its Mexican counterparts is this outstanding Niccioleta Mine version of a "sword." Where the base of the "sword" meets the matrix, its attachment is partially along its side, allowing free space for the crystal to acquire a second termination; so, although the "sword" is on matrix, it is also doubly-terminated: a rather odd state of affairs and quite unusual. It is very transparent throughout its impressive length of 11 inches (27.9 cm), and it is attached to a matrix of small Selenite crystals with some admixed clays. This specimen is from an old collection in Tuscany, and comparable examples from this locality are not likely to appear on the market anytime soon. It is in excellent condition and comes with a custom acrylic base.
Overall Measurements: 12.48 x 3.93 inches (31.7 x 10.0 cm)

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