Barite on Calcite ex Bob Reynolds Coll.

Item Description

In the early 1990s, the huge Meikle Gold Mine gave up some amazing specimens of barite, that stunned the mineral world. I recall seeing specimens from this particular pocket for the first time in perhaps 1992-1993, and thinking they were among the most amazing combination pieces. The production only got better and better in QUANTITY for a few years as the mine made a collecting contract with a dealer for commercial recovery in the mid-1990s, but the crystals were never again as gemmy and transparent, as 3-dimensional and beautiful, as some of the earlier material. This is a perfect, 360-degree knob of GEM crystals, perched dramatically on bladed white calcite. You could not ask for a better balance in this size category, and it is complete all around. In LED lights in particular, the barite crystals acquire a super-glassy luster that is among the most reflective surfaces of the species. Over 20 years old, and in pristine collection, this is a perfect small cabinet specimen. It was valued at $2500 in a recent collection acquisition, the longtime collection of Dr Robert Reynolds, fossil and mineral expert and curator of the San Bernardino County Museum. Better in person!