Mineral Species: Barytocalcite

Chemical Formula: BaCa(CO3)2

Chemical Name: Barium Calcium Carbonate

Mineral Class: Carbonate

Mineral Notes:  Barytocalcite is a relatively uncommon accessory mineral in metallic veins, formed by reaction of hydrothermal fluids with limestone. It is trimorphous with Alstonite and Paralstonite, which means that all three have the same chemical composition but different crystal structure.

Description: A grey limestone matrix with a very rich covering of white-grey Barytocalcite. A pocket in the side of the specimen is full of small crystals. The matrix also contains numerous shiny Galena crystals which add to the weight of the specimen.

Location: Bleagill Mine, Alston Moor, Cumbria, England.