Gypsum with Calcite

Item Description

Gypsum specimens for the collector are EXTREMELY RARE from this ancient to currently active skarn-type Cu-Fe deposit and this is a remarkable large gypsum crystal from the locale. The impressive large water-clear gypsum crystal has a striking steep and curved offset termination, which is a contact with embedded tiny gypsum crystals. The stunning glassy-clear prism face is a real highlight, allowing you to see straight through the crystal to the attached matrix on the other side. You can see striking, colorful interior rainbow effects depending on the light incidence on this face. This prism face is a cleavage. The remaining prism faces are striated with satin luster. The termination faces also have satin luster. The embedded drusy calcite is a fine complement and accessory. Other than the striking cleavage face, the gypsum is essentially pristine, for such a soft mineral, with only trivial termination edge scuffing. Gypsum is listed in MINDAT for the locale, but there are no photographic examples. Excavations in the slag deposits reveal shafts, drifts and copper furnaces dating back to the 11th century BC (MINDAT). Comes with a custom-made and engraved lucite base valued at $145 for free. A RARE and marvelous large matrix gypsum from this historic locale. A gorgeous piece. Honestly, I (Rob) have been here dozens of times, underground a few times as well in this mine, and I have a large collection of Daye/Hubei specimens I have kept over 20 years of travel; and I kept this since I acquired it around 2018-19 for a gypsum in my own Tonglushan suite. It is quite nice, and hard to get in a good size without damage (although larger ones exist, they are too big!)