Barytocalcite (classic locale) Ruggiero Coll.

Item Description

Barytocalcite is uncommon barium, calcium carbonate. This very fine and rich specimen is comprised of fan-shaped clusters of intergrown, tan, glassy scalenohedrons to 2.2 cm from near the Type Locality at the famous Nentsberry Haggs Mine of the Alston Moor District of England. According to the Ed Ruggiero Collection card, this piece was acquired from Richard Barstow in 1976 and was mined from the 2nd Sun vein in 1972. "One of the best pieces of the species, but required repair in several places". The specimen currently seems to just have one repair, to a cluster on the edge (which can in any case be removed to make a fine thumbnail and leave a fine miniature!). This was part of a long sought rediscovery of the old locale in collaboration between Barstow and Lindsay and Patricia Greenbank. The pieces from this find are known to be among the most beautiful, of the species, for color and translucence, as documented in the Greenbank Collection book. valued $400