Gypsum Satin Spar Mineral Morocco Silky Lustre Genuine Specimen Crystal with Certificate of Authenticity

Beautiful Gypsum Satin Spar Mineral from Morocco

This striking Gypsum Satin Spar mineral specimen originates from the well-known gypsum-rich deposits of Morocco, celebrated for producing crystals of remarkable purity and lustre. Distinguished by its silky fibrous texture and pearly sheen, this mineral displays a stunning natural shimmer that reflects light in fine parallel bands. Each specimen is hand-selected for its exceptional silky lustre and fibrous crystalline structure, making it a desirable addition for collectors, crystal enthusiasts, and educators alike. The photo shows the actual specimen you will receive, with the scale cube = 1cm to indicate accurate sizing.

Geological Formation and Composition

Gypsum, chemically known as calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O), forms through evaporitic processes — the crystallisation of minerals from saline water in arid environments. The Satin Spar variety develops within sedimentary layers as fibrous aggregates of gypsum crystals, formed when mineral-rich waters slowly evaporate in restricted basins or lagoons. Over geological time, the continual evaporation and rehydration cycles create intergrown fibres that give Satin Spar its distinctive appearance and silky chatoyancy.

The gypsum deposits of Morocco formed millions of years ago in shallow, inland seas and evaporitic basins, where hot, dry conditions encouraged mineral precipitation. These deposits are often associated with halite (rock salt), anhydrite, and calcite, forming thick layers that record ancient climatic and oceanographic changes in North Africa’s geological history.

Morphological Features and Optical Qualities

Satin Spar is recognised for its parallel fibrous habit, fine silky texture, and soft, glowing translucence. It often forms elongated masses with a fibrous alignment that enhances light reflection along the crystal structure. When polished or illuminated, the mineral exhibits a chatoyant or “cat’s eye” effect, caused by the reflection of light from the aligned fibres. The mineral has a hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can be gently scratched with a fingernail, and it cleaves perfectly in one direction, producing smooth planes that further enhance its lustrous sheen.

Gypsum belongs to the sulfate mineral group, forming part of a broad family of evaporite minerals. Satin Spar, a fibrous variety, differs from selenite (the clear, crystalline form) and alabaster (the massive, fine-grained form) by its texture and fibrous composition. Under natural light, Moroccan Satin Spar often displays brilliant pearly white to soft cream tones, with occasional subtle inclusions giving faint golden or honey-coloured reflections.

Geological and Historical Significance

Gypsum has been known and used since antiquity, valued for both its practical and aesthetic properties. Ancient civilizations used gypsum for sculpture, plaster, and ornamental decoration, taking advantage of its softness and translucence. In geological contexts, gypsum provides insight into paleoclimatic conditions, recording episodes of marine regression and arid climatic phases through its evaporitic origin. The Moroccan deposits, in particular, highlight the dynamic geological history of the Sahara region, once submerged under shallow tropical seas during the late Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras.

Collectable and Decorative Value

Each Satin Spar specimen from Morocco embodies a piece of Earth’s geological artistry — a mineral formed from ancient seas and crystallised through the slow rhythm of evaporation and mineral deposition. Its silky, fibrous radiance makes it a favourite among mineral collectors, as well as a popular decorative stone for home or display settings. In metaphysical circles, Satin Spar gypsum is often associated with clarity, purity, and calm energy, reflecting its luminous, serene appearance.

Authenticity and Provenance

All of our fossils and minerals are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying their natural origin and geological source. This Satin Spar Gypsum Mineral from Morocco is a carefully chosen, high-quality piece, showcasing the fine fibrous texture and radiant sheen characteristic of the best examples from this classic locality. Whether as part of a geological collection, educational display, or decorative piece, it stands as a timeless example of nature’s beauty and mineralogical perfection.