Barite (ex Richard Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

Around Colorado, there are many localities for fine Barite crystals, from the rich golden colored examples from Gilman or Leadville, to the beautiful blue crystals out east near Stoneham. Additionally, some of the most recognized Barite specimens from anywhere in the state are those from the famous Muddy Creek locality in southwestern Colorado. This is a nearly 50-year-old specimen from this well-known area featuring dozens of rather gemmy and lustrous, thin tabular blades of a light grey-blue color measuring up to 2.1 mm on matrix. Most of the crystals are in good shape, though there are some rough spots here and there. They're also gemmier than most of what you'll find from the locality. The piece displays very nicely on its own without the aid of a base or clay. A great display quality piece of this famous material from Colorado. From the collection of Richard Kosnar (1946-2007), the well-known mineral dealer and collector from Colorado, and the namesake for the phosphate species, Kosnarite. I would put a retail price of about $1,200 on this one.