I'm rearranging the store today. I came across this little selenite cluster that is kind of an ugly duckling of sorts.
Selenite is crystallized Gypsum. Gypsum starts out as a white sand like substance. It is used for many things commercially, most commonly drywall. In the rock world however, it can take on several forms. As I mentioned previously, it's initial form is a white sand like silicate. If it is allowed to congeal, it becomes a soft mineral known as Alabaster. Apply heat and pressure to it and it starts to crystallize, first forming Satin spar (a striated translucent white crystal). If the process continues the crystals become clear and form Selenite. Sometimes these crystals are flat and layered. Some are long rod shaped. This little specimen is of the latter variety.
It has been in our store for quite some time and has garnered very little attention. I was taking it to the back storage, then, decided to check it out under the scope. I'm glad I did. Please understand that the image you see is about five times larger than it's actual size, (I don't know how to downsize images)so the crystals you see are not very visible to the naked eye. I checked out several areas and found it to be a landscape of surprises.
![20180417_154117_HDR.jpg]
I found the little cluster on the ends of the rods to be fascinating.
I felt like an explorer discovering a maze of massive crystals.
![20180417_154330_HDR.jpg]
(
I have decided to keep my little orphan out on the floor and show it to people when the time arises. It should sell pretty quickly that way.
