{"product_id":"desert-rose-gypsum-large-statement-specimen","title":"Desert Rose (Gypsum) - Large Statement Specimen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Algeria\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one-of-a-kind gypsum specimen from Algeria is a long, heavy slab of interlocking gypsum blades, built from hundreds of rounded, petal-like crystals packed edge-on across its whole upper surface. The colour is a warm sandy terracotta, a little paler and more golden in places, and the grainy, sugary texture of each blade catches the light along its curved rim. Its long, low profile makes it a striking piece to run along a sideboard, shelf or display cabinet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGypsum is hydrated calcium sulphate, and in the Algerian Sahara it grows inside damp desert sand as mineral-rich groundwater evaporates near the surface, forming the flattened, lens-shaped crystals seen here. As the crystals grow they enclose grains of iron-stained sand, which give them their orange tone and rough feel; the same process makes the small rosettes sold as desert roses. A single mass this large is uncommon, because these clusters are fragile and hard to lift from the sand in one piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt about 2 on the Mohs scale, gypsum is very soft and can be damaged by water, so keep it dry and dust it gently with a soft brush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChemical Composition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gypsum, CaSO₄·2H₂O, with included sand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMohs Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTreatment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural\/None\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetric:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height ? · Width ? · Depth ?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImperial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height ? · Width ? · Depth ?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1pc\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWith this product, you will receive the actual piece shown in the photographs. We do our best to offer quality products and price them honestly. Please keep in mind that colours and details may appear slightly different in person due to lighting, photography, and screen settings, but we do our best to represent each piece accurately.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Algeria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67784542617770,"sku":null,"price":1950.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0601\/7158\/3658\/files\/gypsum-large-statement-specimen-01.jpg?v=1793337234","url":"https:\/\/rubblerockandgem.com\/ar\/products\/desert-rose-gypsum-large-statement-specimen","provider":"Rubble Rock And Gem","version":"1.0","type":"link"}