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 large crystal of blue Barite. The surface shown numerous growth zones, many having slightly different directions. This produces an unusual scaly effect. On the top surface is a cluster of smaller crystals growing at right-angles to the main crystal. A nice mineral oddity.

Location: Mina Telesina, La Union, Murcia, Spain.