Baryte & Dolomite (old classic)

Item Description

An impressive, rich and sculptural large old-time two-sided barite and dolomite combination plate from Frizington. Classic glassy, two-toned, tabular barite crystals are strikingly scattered on the solid matrix plate of tan, oxide-tinted, saddle-shaped dolomite rhombs. All of the classic glassy, chisel terminated barites have the desirable blue tint. Iron oxides have preferentially included and coated one side of the crystals, adding striking color variation. Very interesting pocket chemistry and fluid flow here! The striking upright crystal with the cleaved gem tip is 3.8 cm long and other barites on this very fine plate reach 6.0 cm (doubly terminated and pristine.) The bottom is solid dolomite crystals. The broken crystals, mostly on the periphery, are certainly only a modest detraction to this striking and sculptural large combination. From an East Coast Collection and comes with a faded century-old label from the incorrect Alston Moor District of Cumbria. This classic barite and dolomite combination undoubtedly comes from the famous iron mines at Frizington in the West Cumberland Iron Field (back in the old days, this was a common mixup, as specimens were often labeled from a town or dealer who provided the piece, rather than true mine origin). Fairly valued at $1750-2000.