Barite

specimen number:
9892159

location:
Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, Le Vigan, Gard, Occitanie, France

description:
The top of this massive barite matrix is covered with lustrous white thin bladed crystals of barite measuring to 2.2 cm in size. Tiny crystals of pyrite are scattered throughout. A light dusting of iron oxide in some areas, this is in good condition.

Saint-Laurent-le-Minier in the Gard department of southern France is situated within the renowned Les Malines mining district, which represents the largest lead and zinc mining basin in the country. Geologically, the area is characterized by complex carbonate-hosted ore systems developed within ancient dolomites, sedimentary strata, and limestones. Mining activity here spans centuries, focusing on the extraction of valuable metal ores and associated gangue minerals like barite and fluorite. Although industrial exploitation has long ceased, the site remains globally famous among mineral collectors and researchers for yielding exceptional secondary mineral specimens, diverse micro-minerals, and unique crystalline assemblages preserved in old mine dumps and natural outcrops.

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