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: A matrix specimen of Barite where the mineral forms the bulk of the body of the specimen. This is is mostly massive, but close inspection from the side shows that the mineral forms curving, alternating bands of dark and light crystalline material. In this way it somewhat resembles malachite. On the top surface are numerous upright crystal blades clustered into several aggregate groups. These form rather pleasing patterns resembling stacked parallel ridges. This pattern gives rise to the name "Cockscomb" barite.

Location: New Glencrieff Mine, Wanlockhead, Scotland.