Ram’s Horn Selenite - Mariposa Mine, Texas, USA

A remarkable white to translucent selenite crystal displaying the dramatic curved growth habit known as “Ram’s Horn". The elongated crystal sweeps upward in a graceful arc, with pronounced parallel striations running along its surface and a smaller crystal projecting near the upper termination.

Selenite is the transparent crystalline variety of gypsum. Ram’s Horn specimens are distinguished by their unusual curved or coiled growth, and the Mariposa Mine is a classic Texas locality for this sculptural habit. The mine is part of the historic Terlingua Mercury District in Brewster County.

This specimen comes from the Bill Rouslin Collection, where it was recorded as specimen #779. It is also accompanied by older Schortmann’s Minerals and Charles B. Ward labels, preserving additional documentation from its collection history. The specimen is presented on an acrylic display base.

Mineral: Gypsum (variety Selenite)
Locality: Mariposa Mine, California Hill, Terlingua Mercury District, Brewster Co, Texas, USA
Crystal System: monoclinic
Provenance: Ex Bill Rouslin Collection
Dimensions: 11 cm long