Updated 3d ago

Gypsum

$500.00

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Kohnstein quarry in Nordhausen District, Thuringia, Germany is remarkable for its exceptionally well-crystallized borate assemblage, some of which represent the 'best of' species. In 2014 it was Strontioginorite which reached new heights. Previously known as only small, or poorly formed crystals, specimens discovered at Kohnstein quarry raised the bar to a new level. Monoclinic in form, the crystals of Strontioginorite are difficult to tell apart from Gypsum crystals, but are slightly thinner overall and more rectangular in form. This stunning miniature specimen features at least one sharply formed colourless monoclinic Strontioginorite crystal reaching over 2 cm in length - rising up from sparry massive Gypsum var. Selenite. The Type Locality for Strontioginorite lies a little over 30 miles to the west of Kohnstein quarry, at Königshall-Hindenburg mine which closed in the early 1970s. Both deposits exploit evaporites from the ancient Zechstein Sea. Ex Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021) collection this is a superb rarity.