Witherite (classic material)

Item Description

Witherite is a well-known Barium Carbonate, that is only found in a few world localities in fine quality crystals. The species was discovered over 200 years ago, and the type locality at Brownley Hill Mine, England, UK along with other mines in Cumbria have produced some of the most distinctive and classic specimens around. Along with the English pieces, the specimens from the Minerva #1 Mine in Illinois are among the best ever found. This particular specimen is a good sized, sharp, well-formed, lustrous, pseudo-hexagonal (orthorhombic), light yellow color, translucent crystal with minor blue Barite(?) on one side. The piece doubly-terminated, which is rare in my experience with this material, and is amazingly complete all the way around, save the bottom where it detached from the pocket! The size, quality and relative obscurity on the market today make this a very worthwhile specimen from one of the most famous mining districts in the United States. Priced originally at $295, and probably valued higher now considering the condition, sharpness, luster and the fact that it's doubly-terminated.