Anhydrite

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This miniature specimen, bearing crystals of Anhydrite is from Shaft 371 in the Schlema-Hartenstein District, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany. Shaft 371 was the main shaft operated by Aue Mining Company of SDAG Wismut, a uranium mine in the Westerzgebirge which closed in 1991. At 1,800 m deep, this was Germany's deepest mine until its closure. Crystals of Anhydrite are rare from anywhere, but from Shaft 371 they are the stuff of legend. On this superb piece three main Anhydrite crystals form sandwich-like colour-zoned grey to white blocky tabular crystals (the largest to 1.6 cm in length) upon orange-brown finely crystallized Dolomite matrix. Two of the Anhydrite crystals sit parallel alongside each other with the third separate and almost perpendicular to the others. They all present a translucent appearance and are in great condition. This is certainly one for the German mineral specialist.