Malachite, Baryte & Quartz (old Connecticut, 1800's!)

Item Description

An old-time, fine, large and uncommon combination specimen from the barite mines in this area, operated mostly during the 1800s. These were the first barite mines in North America and recovered barite from fault brecciated veins in Triassic New Haven arkose (MINDAT). Malachite was a primary accessory from the mines. The large blocky arkose sandstone matrix (feldspar rich) hosts scattered sculptural clusters of lustrous malachite botryoids set amongst a dense field of sparkly quartz points nicely accented with contrasting sections of tabular white barite crystals. The striking, elongated, bubbly botryoids in the center are 2.7 cm long. The noted bruising is certainly acceptable in the context of this very showy, colorful and rare large old-timer. Value?