Barite (fine large classic) (ex Cureton Collection)

Item Description

One of the largest and most impressive Barites I've seen from the Wet Grooves Mine (Wet Groves Mine) in North Yorkshire, in Northern England. This piece is not the white / tan bladed examples that we've seen in the past, but rather a robust, impressive, deep golden-caramel colored crystal group. The main crystal group measures an impressive 9.2 cm long, and is complete on the front and back. A few accenting Barites can be seen on the lower portion of the specimen in a pleasing arrangement that gives the piece three-dimensional character and form. All of the crystals have a superior "wet" luster with textbook crystal form and excellent sharp faces. The lower right edge of the piece is contacted, but it is not distracting as it doesn't take away from the overall impressive presentation of the piece. Arguably my favorite aspect of the specimen is that when the main crystal group is backlit, it not only shows a beautiful warm internal color, but several gorgeous dark internal "phantoms"! Considering the thickness of the Barites, it's impressive that they pass light, but to have such wonderful "phantoms" inside is just icing on the cake. These beautiful old classic Barites are incredibly hard to find on the market these days, and a piece of size, quality and calibre would make a stellar addition to any collection of English minerals, worldwide Barites or old European classics. From the collection of Forrest and Barbara Cureton of Stockton, California, who acquired the specimen in March of 1981 from Richard Barstow of Gunnislake, Cornwall, England. Labels from both the Curetons and Barstow accompany the piece. Value on these can be a bit tricky, but I would put this one in the $4,500-$6,000 range retail.