Chemical Formula: BaSO4

Chemical Name: Barium Sulphate

Mineral Class: Sulphate

Mineral Notes: Barium 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 single, large crystal of brown-grey Barite. Close inspection shows that the crystal is actually formed of several overgrowths and fusions of other Barite crystals on the central body of the specimen. Thus several growth zones are seen in the interior. Whilst the mineral is only partially transparent, there are also several inereior zones showing multicoloured irridescence. A great opportunity to obtain a real rarity.

Location: Silverband Mine, Cumbria, England.