Selenite
Naica, Saucillo Municipality, Chihuahua, Mexico
36 cm tall x 15 cm wide
Selenite from Mexico is a benchmark locality. Mexico represents the finest quality for the species. Selenite (also known as gypsum) can grow into enormous crystals. In 1910, the Penoles Mining Company discovered what came to be known as “Cueva de Las Espadas,” or, “Cave of Swords.” These were the largest crystals ever discovered. The largest being 11.4 meters tall, weighing an estimated 12 tons. The formation of these wondrous crystals spanned at least 500,000 years, which, in geological terms is not very long.
Over the past century, several more caves have been found with glowing selenite crystals.
This crystal comes from one such cave. This selenite exhibits the properties most sought after; purity, perfection, transparency.
This specimen was featured in our Illumination exhibition.