GYPSUM. Pernatty Lagoon, Mt. Gunson, South Australia, Australia. ...

Description

GYPSUM
Pernatty Lagoon, Mt. Gunson, South Australia, Australia

As the hypersaline waters in Pernatty Lagoon lose water to evaporation in the heat of summer, they begin to crystallize out onto any available surface. This is a seasonal affair and it affords a new "crop" of Gypsum specimens at the end of summer. Mineral salts in the water are responsible for the coloration - in the case of this reddish hue; the color comes from Iron in the water. The branching forms seen here are the result of currents in the lagoon. There are a few broken crystals but most are intact and in excellent condition. This is a highly unusual sculptural and aesthetic specimen, as most specimens from this site are usually just plates of Gypsum without any redeeming features. Particularly notable are the sculptural "branches" that seem to be in motion above the body of the specimen.
Overall measurements: 12 x 8.5 x 7 inches (30.5 x 20.3 x 17.8 cm). Offered at no reserve.

Provenance: Keith Proctor [Hoppel Catalog # D2047]


[Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]

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