Barite

specimen number:
2063059

location:
Magma Mine, Superior, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA

description:

Wonderful thumbnail for this Arizona classic with color zoned deep amber glassy translucent tabular crystals of barite to 1.5 cm in size coming off matrix. This displays beautifully and is in great condition.

The Magma Mine in Superior, Pinal County, Arizona, originated from late 19th-century silver claims before evolving into one of the state's most productive underground copper mining operations. Geologically, the deposit is hosted within complex fault-bounded structures and vein systems cutting through Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks. Although primarily famous for copper production, the mine gained significant attention from mineral collectors in the early 1980s right around the time of its initial major closure. During this period, deep underground operations yielded exceptional mineral specimens, notably prized, highly lustrous, transparent yellow-brown to golden tabular barite crystals that remain highly sought after by collectors today.

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