Baryte

Item Description

Attractive, uniform cluster of stout Baryte blades from Romania. The Baryte crystals average about 2 cm on edge, and they are gemmy to included (Realgar?, iron oxide?). The grey-red tint caused by the inclusions is unusual, and gives the crystals character. This small cabinet piece is in very good condition, and considering the age, it is surprising how very little damage there is. These pieces are part of a century-old Italian collection that was recently acquired. Its historic nature, aside from the sheer age of the specimens, is reflected in how dramatically geopolitical borders have changed since these labels were created. The label indicates Siebenburgen, which is the modern area known as Transylvania according to MINDAT. It looks like a classic example from Cavnic in Maramures, so we have indicated that locality here although it is possible it could be indeed from Transylvania itself.