Natural Snow Gypsum Mineral Specimen – Satin Spar Selenite Variety – Genuine Crystal with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

Natural Snow Gypsum (Satin Spar Selenite) – Genuine Mineral Specimen from Evaporitic Sedimentary Settings

This listing features a Snow Gypsum specimen, a fibrous and snow-like variety of gypsum commonly referred to as Satin Spar Selenite. Its shimmering white texture, silky fibres, and elegant crystalline structure make it a visually striking and scientifically valuable mineral.

• All of our Crystals are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

• Scale cube = 1cm. Please refer to the listing photos for full sizing and dimensions.

• The specimen is a hand-selected piece, and the photo shows the actual item you will receive.

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Mineralogical and Geological Information:

• Species: Gypsum (Variety: Snow Gypsum / Satin Spar Selenite)

• Chemical Formula: CaSO₄·2H₂O (Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate)

• Crystal System: Monoclinic

• Colour: White to snow-white

• Lustre: Silky to pearly (especially in fibrous form)

• Transparency: Translucent to opaque

• Hardness: 2 on Mohs scale (very soft – can be scratched with a fingernail)

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Morphology Features:

• Typically fibrous, forming parallel or radiating masses

• Satin-like surface sheen due to fine fibrous structure

• Can form columnar or vein-like deposits

• Low density and lightweight

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Geological Context:

• Depositional Environment:

  • Forms in evaporite deposits associated with arid, saline conditions such as:

    • Dried-up lake beds

    • Lagoons

    • Marine basins

• Geological Stage:

  • Common across a wide geological range, from the Permian to modern-day

• Biozone: Not applicable (not a biological fossil)

• Zone: Evaporitic sedimentary strata

• Notable Locations:

  • Oklahoma (USA), Mexico, Morocco, Sicily, Poland, and parts of Europe

• Formation Conditions:

  • Precipitated directly from mineral-rich waters during evaporation

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Scientific Classification:

• Family: Gypsum group

• Super Family: Not typically classified at this level

• Order: Sulfates (hydrated)

• Mineral Class: Sulfate minerals with H₂O

• First Described By: Known since ancient times, scientifically studied in detail during the 18th century; name derived from the Greek “gypsos,” meaning chalk.

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Care Notes:

• Handle gently due to its softness

• Do not expose to water or moisture (water-soluble mineral)

• Best cleaned with a dry cloth

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Ideal For:

• Collectors of minerals and evaporite specimens

• Crystal healing and metaphysical practices (cleansing, clarity, purification)

• Natural décor and display

• Educational geology kits or classroom specimens