A Model of Structure and Genesis for the Gypsum “nest”, Found in the Geophysicheskaya Cave (kugitangtou Mountains, Turkmenistan)

A description, and a possible structure and genetic mechanism for a “gypsum nest”, a very rare speleothem consisting of gypsum needles growing from a drying clay massif, are considered. Because of conservation concerns, theoretical modeling is the only acceptable method for studying this complicated and delicate feature. The model suggested considers the “nest” as a screw-dislocated spherocrystal, with its sub-individuals separated by corrosion at some initial stage, and having separate growth at later stages.