Witherite (fine classic material)

Item Description

Witherite is an uncommon but fairly well-known barium carbonate mineral that is only found in a few world localities in fine crystallized eaxmple. Witherite actually dates back over 200 years ago, when it was discovered and the type locality at Brownley Hill Mine, England. While other mines in Cumbria have also produced some of the most distinctive and classic specimens extant, in addition to the English pieces, the Witherites from the Minerva #1 Mine in southern Illinois are among the best ever found. This particular specimen features a goos-sized, distinctly "hour glass"-shaped pseudo-hexagonal (orthorhombic), light yellow color translucent crystal of Witherite free of matrix. The piece is in excellent condition with no real damage that I can see. The size, quality, beautiful form, 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. We had a value of $2,500 on this one.
Ex George Feist collection (#1058), and accompanied by a label from Ross Lillie.