Mineral Species: Barite

Chemical Formula: BaSO4

Chemical Name: Barium Sulfate

Mineral Class: Sulfate

Mineral Notes: Barite 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: This is a matrix-free specimen of highly crystalline Barite. The mineral forms vertically stacked, flattened, tabular crystals. Nearly all have excellent terminations. There are several distinct crystal clusters of which the largest conatins crystals of up to 5cms across. The Barite has a very aesthetic pearly luster. On the back and front are two individual crystals of a yet unidentified, black, metallic mineral.

Location: Maine Mine, Autun, Burgundy, France.