A Blue Moon Selenite specimen displaying blue fluorescence and phosphorescence in the hourglass formation under short wave UV collected by Carpé Crystals on the Isle of Sheppey. This piece displays the newly rediscovered ‘Wetherell’ Termination.
0.140 g
11.5 x 6.5 x 2.5 cm
Only 1 left in stock
Blue Moon Selenites are a newly documented occurrence of fluorescent gypsum (selenite) from the London Clay of the Isle of Sheppey, Kent.
The discovery began after studying an 1834 paper by Victorian geologist Nathaniel Thomas Wetherell, who described selenite occurring within the London Clay. Inspired by his observations, we spent months investigating the locality, mapping geological horizons, documenting crystal occurrences and studying the relationship between the selenites, pyrite-rich horizons and septarian nodules.
What followed was the discovery of a remarkable population of selenite crystals unlike any previously documented from the locality.
Many specimens display an intense electric blue fluorescence under short-wave UV and continue to phosphoresce after the UV source is removed. The rarest examples belong to a distinctive prismatic twin morphology which we have informally named the Wetherell Habit, in recognition of Nathaniel Thomas Wetherell. These exceptional specimens reveal a striking internal hourglass pattern of fluorescent growth sectors—a hidden record of the crystal’s growth preserved for around 50 million years.
Every Blue Moon Selenite has been hand collected directly by Carpè Crystals from the Isle of Sheppey and carefully prepared to preserve as much of its natural beauty as possible.
Gypsum (selenite) is a naturally soft mineral (Mohs hardness 2) and should always be handled with care. Minor clay inclusions, natural growth contacts and internal fractures are all part of the crystal’s natural formation and should be regarded as features rather than imperfections.
Many Blue Moon Selenites contain microscopic pyrite inclusions inherited from the London Clay in which they formed. To help ensure their long-term preservation, every specimen has been carefully stabilised using a conservation-grade acrylic resin. This treatment helps strengthen delicate crystal surfaces while reducing the risk of pyrite oxidation (commonly known as pyrite disease).
The conservation treatment is fully reversible and can be removed at any time using acetone, allowing the specimen to be returned to its untreated state if desired.
As with all gypsum specimens, prolonged exposure to moisture, high humidity and excessive handling should be avoided to ensure the specimen remains in the best possible condition for generations to come.
Mineral: Gypsum (var. Selenite)
Trade Name: Blue Moon Selenite™️
Locality: Isle of Sheppey, Kent, England
Geological Formation: Eocene London Clay Formation (approximately 50 million years old)
Collected by: Carpè Crystals
Every Blue Moon Selenite is a unique natural specimen. No two crystals are identical, ensuring each piece represents its own chapter in the remarkable story of this extraordinary British mineral discovery
A beautiful companion for those who believe that the greatest discoveries often come from looking a little deeper, illuminating overlooked opportunities and encouraging a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
| Weight | 0.140 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.5 × 6.5 × 2.5 cm |
To assist customers in “stretching” to higher-value specimens, we are happy to work with you on payment plans for orders over £150 with terms starting from 2 months all the way to 12 months for larger purchases . Full payment must be made within the calendar year.
Payment plans are not applicable for items that are discounted or on sale.
1. A 25% NON-REFUNDABLE down payment is required to initiate the payment plan and reserve the item(s), due immediately upon receipt of the first invoice. This 25% will be of the total purchase price including shipping and taxes (if applicable). If you’d like to put down more than 25%, we can adjust the remaining payments accordingly.
2. The remaining 75% (or less, if more than 25% was paid initially) will be divided into monthly payments of equal amounts to be completed within the calendar year. The number of payments is subject to discussion with a member of staff who will work closely with clients to custom tailor payment plans.
3. Clients will receive an invoice to initiate payment – subsequent invoices will be emailed to you monthly. Cancellation or failure to pay invoices with a lapse of 10 days will result in cancellation of the payment plan and forfeiture of the item and 25% non-refundable deposit and admin fee. Any amount paid in excess of the non-refundable deposit would be refunded via the method of payment used.
4. There is no penalty for early payment. At any time, clients may reach out to a sales team member to pay the remaining balance in full.
5. Upon completion of the payment plan in full, the specimen(s) will be shipped to the client.
6. Items purchased via payment plan are subject to a no-refund policy. Items may be returned at the expense of the buyer for credit equal to the item price (minus taxes and shipping costs) to be applied to any other full price item in inventory. Unused credit will not be refunded in these cases.
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