Barite with Sphalerite, Marcasite, Quartz

specimen number:
2171014

location:
Washington Co., Missouri, USA

description:
Mining in this Missouri county first commenced in the early to mid 1700s. Most underground mining was finished by the late 1800s to early 1900s. The area was mined for lead. In later days surface deposits were mined some for lead but mainly for barite to be used in the oil industry. The specimen is from a new find. The collectors at this time will not divulge the exact locality, however I'm quite sure that this is coming from an old underground mine. In 40 years of collecting minerals in this state, I have not seen anything quite like this. Snow white grouping of double terminated barite crystals almost 10.0 cm in size are set perfectly at the top of a marcasite coated breccia matrix with spherical shaped sphalerite crystals to almost 2.0 cm. This shows nicely all around. Minimal damage present to the sphalerite crystals as seen. This quite typical of the find, this one is in very good condition compared to most. An excellent example for barite from the find. Measures 13.0 x 11.0 x 10.0 cm. Shipping weight: 2.88 pounds.

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