The present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of rosuvastatin [7-[4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-(methanesulphonyl-methyl-amino)-pyrimidin-5-yl]-(3R,51S)-dihydroxy-hept-6-enoic acid] of the formula (I) salts formed with bivalent cations, preferably with calcium or zinc ions, characterized in that rosuvastatin tert.-butylammonium salt is reacted with the appropriate bivalent cation, preferably with calcium or zinc ions in a mixture of a water immiscible or slightly miscible organic solvent and water and the formed salt is isolated.