Satin Spar Gypsum Morocco Silky Lustre Natural Mineral Specimen 40-100mm

Gypsum Satin Spar – Natural Silky Lustre Mineral from Morocco (40–100mm)

This Gypsum Satin Spar specimen from Morocco is a genuine natural mineral piece, selected for its attractive fibrous structure and strong silky lustre. Measuring approximately 40–100mm (full sizing please see photo), each specimen is carefully chosen, and the photograph provided shows an example of the actual piece you will receive. Every item includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it as a genuine mineral specimen.

Mineral Species & Chemical Composition

Satin spar is a fibrous variety of gypsum, a hydrated calcium sulfate mineral with the chemical formula:

CaSO₄·2H₂O

Gypsum crystallises in the monoclinic crystal system, and satin spar forms as parallel fibrous aggregates rather than distinct, isolated crystals. The fibrous internal structure produces the characteristic silky or chatoyant surface sheen for which satin spar is known.

With a hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale, gypsum is relatively soft and should be handled with care to preserve its smooth surface and fibrous integrity.

Silky Lustre & Fibrous Structure

This Moroccan satin spar specimen is valued for its:

• Bright silky lustre

• Fine parallel fibrous growth

• Creamy white to pale ivory colour

• Subtle translucent edges

• Smooth, polished or naturally smoothed surface

The silky sheen is created by light reflecting across tightly packed fibrous crystals. When viewed under direct lighting, the surface may display a soft glow effect due to internal fibre alignment.

Each 40–100mm specimen is unique in fibre direction, surface texture, and overall form, offering strong visual appeal for collectors and display.

Geological Formation & Moroccan Locality

Gypsum forms in evaporite environments, where mineral-rich saline waters evaporate in arid basins, leaving behind sulfate minerals. Satin spar develops when gypsum crystallises in compact fibrous masses, often filling fractures or forming in sedimentary layers.

Morocco is internationally recognised for producing high-quality gypsum varieties, including satin spar with particularly well-developed silky lustre. The country’s arid climate and extensive evaporite deposits create ideal conditions for gypsum formation.

Over geological time, repeated evaporation cycles allowed calcium and sulfate ions to combine and crystallise. Associated minerals in these evaporite settings may include:

• Halite

• Anhydrite

• Calcite

• Other sulfate minerals

Moroccan satin spar is especially appreciated for its clean colour and strong reflective quality.

Size, Authenticity & Display

• Mineral: Gypsum (Satin Spar variety)

• Chemical Formula: CaSO₄·2H₂O

• Crystal System: Monoclinic

• Origin: Morocco

• Size: Approximately 40–100mm (please refer to photo for full sizing reference)

• Authenticity: Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card

The generous 40–100mm size makes this specimen ideal for display cabinets, mineral shelves, educational geology collections, or as a natural decorative piece. The silky sheen makes it particularly eye-catching under display lighting.

Collecting & Traditional Associations

Satin spar gypsum has long been popular among collectors for its fibrous structure and elegant surface glow. It is frequently chosen as a representative example of evaporite mineral formation and fibrous crystal growth.

In spiritual traditions, satin spar is traditionally associated with clarity and focus; these interpretations are cultural rather than scientific. From a mineralogical perspective, its appeal lies in its hydrated calcium sulfate composition, fibrous internal structure, and characteristic silky lustre.

A genuine Moroccan Gypsum Satin Spar specimen, carefully chosen for quality and supplied with certificate of authenticity, offering strong silky lustre and classic evaporite mineral character in a substantial 40–100mm display size.