Baryte on Calcite (classic material)

Item Description

Baryte is found in thousands of world localities, but not typically in GEM quality crystals. The crystals from Elk Creek, South Dakota are not only gem quality, but their habit is quite distinctive. A lot of Baryte crystals are rather flat / tabular, but the beautiful pieces from Elk Creek are prismatic with pronounced pyramidal terminations. They are among the most beloved and popular Barytes from any locality in the Western Hemisphere. Their superb quality, crystal form and color have put them in the higher tiers for the species among collectors. The specimen features a predominant, sharp, well-formed, very gemmy, beautiful rich amber-golden color, crystal measuring 2.1 cm aesthetically flaring off golden-yellow Calcite crystals on matrix. No damage and very showy. The piece comes with an old Gary Hansen dealer label circa 1970s.
From the collection of the recently deceased Alvaro Lucio, arguably the most well-known and accomplished mineral dealer and collector in Brazil. Alvaro graduated with a degree in civil engineering, mining and metallurgy from the Escola de Minas de Ouro Preto in 1949. He began his PhD in the United States and completed it at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. He worked as a professor of extractive metallurgy at UFMG, and also as a technical consultant for several companies in the sector. He was the author of several works, published in books and magazines around the world. He received several honors for his contribution to the development of metallurgy and the introduction of metallurgical physical chemistry in Brazil. His knowledge, solicitousness and enthusiasm will be greatly missed in the mineral world.