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A striking natural Selenite on Matrix specimen from the famous Naica locality in Chihuahua, Mexico, featuring multiple clear-to-translucent gypsum crystals rising from a rugged reddish-brown and dark mineral matrix.
This specimen offers beautiful contrast between the glassy, nearly colorless selenite crystals and the earthy natural matrix beneath them. The larger crystals display prominent natural growth striations, sharp geometric forms, internal veils and inclusions, while numerous smaller crystalline areas add texture throughout the specimen.
For the mineral collector, the locality is especially important. Naica, Chihuahua is internationally renowned for its exceptional gypsum crystals and is one of the most recognizable selenite localities in the world.
**You will receive the exact Naica Selenite specimen shown in the photographs.**
**SPECIMEN DETAILS**
• Mineral: Selenite
• Mineral Species: Gypsum
• Chemical Formula: CaSO₄·2H₂O
• Locality: Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico
• Formation: Natural Selenite Crystals on Matrix
• Approximate Width: 6" based on ruler measurement
• Weight: 14.5 oz / 411 g
• Crystal Color: Clear to translucent / colorless
• Matrix: Reddish-brown, brown and dark earthy tones
• Luster: Glassy to pearly
• Mohs Hardness: Approximately 2
• Quantity: One
• Specimen: Exact piece pictured
**SELENITE FROM NAICA, MEXICO**
Selenite is the transparent to translucent crystalline variety of gypsum, a hydrated calcium sulfate mineral.
Naica, located in Chihuahua, Mexico, is legendary among mineral collectors for producing remarkable gypsum crystals. The mining district became internationally famous for underground cavities containing enormous natural gypsum crystals.
Smaller collector specimens from the Naica locality allow the characteristic crystal habit, clarity, striations and relationship between gypsum and its matrix to be appreciated at display scale.
This specimen displays multiple selenite crystals remaining naturally attached to contrasting matrix, preserving much of the geological character collectors look for in a locality specimen.
**CRYSTAL DETAIL**
Viewed closely, the larger crystals reveal natural longitudinal striations, internal features and variations in transparency.
Rather than being completely water-clear, portions transition from transparent to translucent and contain internal veils and natural inclusions. These features interact beautifully with directional lighting and give the crystals considerable depth.
The rough reddish-brown and dark matrix creates a particularly attractive backdrop for the pale crystals and makes their geometric shapes easier to appreciate.
Because the crystals rise from the matrix at different angles, the specimen presents well from multiple viewing positions.
**A CLASSIC LOCALITY SPECIMEN**
For many mineral collectors, locality is just as important as appearance.
Naica is a historically important and internationally recognized gypsum locality, making this specimen particularly suitable for a collection organized around classic mineral localities, Mexican minerals, gypsum varieties, or unusual crystal formations.
It would display beautifully in a mineral cabinet, glass display case, office, study, library, geology collection, or natural-history display.
Directional overhead lighting is especially effective for highlighting the transparency, reflective crystal faces and contrast between the selenite and matrix.
It would also make an exceptional gift for a mineral collector, geology enthusiast, rockhound, earth-science enthusiast, or collector of Mexican minerals.
**CARE INSTRUCTIONS — PLEASE READ**
Selenite is a very soft mineral with a Mohs hardness of approximately 2 and should be handled carefully.
Whenever possible, handle this specimen by the matrix rather than by the individual crystals.
Keep the specimen dry. Do not soak or wash it with water and do not use household or chemical cleaners.
Avoid rubbing the crystal surfaces, as selenite can scratch easily.
Store and display it where it will not be knocked over or come into contact with harder minerals or objects.
A soft air blower can be used carefully to remove loose surface dust.
**NATURAL SPECIMEN CHARACTERISTICS**
This is a genuine natural mineral specimen rather than a manufactured decorative object.
Natural contacts, inclusions, internal veils, cleaves, fractures, irregular edges, matrix material, variations in transparency and areas associated with natural crystal growth or specimen extraction may be present.
These characteristics are normal for natural mineral specimens and should be considered part of the specimen's individual character.
Please examine all photographs and video carefully. Multiple angles and close-up views are provided so you can evaluate the crystal faces, matrix, inclusions, natural contacts and overall condition before purchasing.
**You will receive the exact 14.5 oz Naica Selenite on Matrix specimen shown in this listing.**
The specimen will be carefully packaged with special attention given to protecting the delicate selenite crystals during shipment.