Quartz cast after Anhydrite

Item Description

These specimens have been labeled as being Quartz after Barite, but given the fact that Barite is chemically inert and nearly impossible to dissolve, it is most likely that these pseudomorphs or "casts" are actually Quartz replacing Anhydrite. It has been reported that Dr. Virgil Lueth or New Mexico Tech concludes from studies (as-yet unpublished paper 4/2011) that these and all San Juan Quartz epimorphs apparently after Barite are in fact after Anhydrite. With that said, this specimen is a beautiful pseudomorph / cast consisting of hollow and blocky cavities of Quartz replacing the original mineral. The most attractive aspect of this specimen is the fact that the Quartz crystals are not microscopic or massive, but many of them are easily visible with the naked eye, and show absoultely water-clear transparency. The contrasting reddish iron-oxide makes for a great touch as well. This specimen was collected by noted Colorado collector and dealer, Benjy Kuehling in the 1980s. A wonderful specimen from a district that produced some of the most classic "casts" from all of Colorado.