Barite

specimen number:
2063612

location:
Meikle Mine, Elko Co., Nevada, USA

description:
Beautiful glassy gem amber colored tabular crystals of barite measuring to 1.8 x 1.2 x 0.5 cm in size mostly covering the top of matrix. This is in good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

The Meikle Mine, located in the Carlin Trend of Elko County, Nevada, USA, is a famous sedimentary rock-hosted gold deposit situated within Paleozoic carbonate rocks that underwent structural faulting and hydrothermal mineralization. Deep-seated hydrothermal fluids altered and dissolved the host limestones, creating extensive underground cave systems and brecciated cavities rich in gold as well as exceptional secondary minerals. Discovered in 1989 and operated primarily as a major underground gold mine, the locality quickly gained fame among mineral collectors and museums for its spectacular specimens of barite, a barium sulfate mineral. Found in large open vugs, these barite crystals are highly prized for their lustrous, razor-sharp tabular forms, excellent transparency, and striking golden-yellow to amber color, making Meikle Mine one of the most celebrated modern classic localities for North American barite.

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