Barite, BaSO4 (Barium Sulfate), is easily identified by its heavy weight. Most similar minerals are much lighter. It tends to form well defined flattened crystals. Occasionally it forms large rounded mounds from precipitation of hot, barium-rich springs.

Description: An elongated specimen consisting almost entirely of Barite which has crystallised in masses of parallel upright-facing plates. The colour varies form white to cream.

Location: Wolsendorf, Oberfalz, Germany.