{"product_id":"desert-rose-gypsum-statement-specimen-2","title":"Desert Rose (Gypsum) - Statement Specimen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Algeria\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetric:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height 33 cm · Width 36 to 41 cm · Depth ?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImperial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height 13.0 in · Width 14.2 to 16.1 in · Depth ?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one-of-a-kind gypsum specimen from Algeria is a large, sprawling cluster of broad, blade-shaped gypsum crystals, each one rounded at the edges and stacked edge-on in overlapping fans, so the whole surface ripples like a bed of petals. The colour is a warm terracotta and cinnamon orange, with a soft, sandy texture that catches the light along every curved rim. Its sheer size and rich colour make it a natural centrepiece for a table or cabinet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGypsum is hydrated calcium sulphate, and in the Algerian Sahara it grows within damp desert sand as salty groundwater evaporates, forming the flattened, lens-shaped crystals seen here. As the crystals grow they trap grains of iron-stained sand, which gives them their orange colour and grainy feel, and the same process forms the smaller rosettes sold as desert roses. Clusters this large and intact are rare, as they are fragile and difficult to recover 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\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":67784534589610,"sku":null,"price":1250.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0601\/7158\/3658\/files\/gypsum-rosette-statement-specimen-01.jpg?v=1793336756","url":"https:\/\/rubblerockandgem.com\/pa\/products\/desert-rose-gypsum-statement-specimen-2","provider":"Rubble Rock And Gem","version":"1.0","type":"link"}