Quartz

specimen number:
1115642

location:
Washington Co., Missouri, USA

description:
Crystallized quartz covering the top of matrix. In good condition. The matrix consists of agate.

Quartz in Washington County, Missouri, is closely tied to the historic barite mining district centered around Potosi, Mineral Point, and Old Mines. Geologically, these quartz occurrences, often found as drusy linings and banded aggregates, developed within the Paleozoic sedimentary rocks and residual clay soils of the Ozark Plateau. Hydrothermal fluids circulating through the Cambrian-age Potosi and Eminence dolomites deposited silica alongside barite and lead minerals in vugs and dissolution cavities. Historically, the area became famous as a major domestic source of barite beginning in the 19th century, with quartz specimens routinely recovered by miners and collectors exploring local clay pits and mine dumps.

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