Specifications
Description
Locality: Algeria
Metric: Height 33 cm · Width 36 to 41 cm · Depth ?
Imperial: Height 13.0 in · Width 14.2 to 16.1 in · Depth ?
This 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.
Gypsum 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.
At 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.
Chemical Composition: Gypsum, CaSO₄·2H₂O, with included sand
Mohs Hardness: 2
Treatment: Natural/None
Quantity: 1pc
With 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.