Barite on Calcite (ex Dave Bergman Collection)

Item Description

Barite is not often found in fine gem crystals, and typically the good gem crystals are colorless. The world-class Barites from Elk Creek, South Dakota are among the most beloved and popluar Barite specimens from any locality in the Western Hemisphere. The specimen features a sharp, well-formed, gemmy, beautiful rich amber-golden color crystal measuring 2.6 cm aesthetically sitting atop golden-yellow Calcite crystal matrix. No damage outside of the base of the piece where it was removed from the pocket wall. This piece comes from the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired from mining, but spent many years underground, including as the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. He is also the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures".