Quartz after Barite

specimen number:
2292420

location:
Hot Creek Valley, Nye Co., Nevada, USA

description:
Sugary sparkling micro crystalline quartz forming hollow epimorphs after now gone large thick orthorhombic crystals of barite. Neat specimen that is crystallized completely all around. In great condition.

An epimorph is a geological pseudomorph that occurs when one mineral deposits as a crust over the crystal of another mineral, which then dissolves to leave a hollow cast of the original shape. In the case of quartz after barite, silica-rich hydrothermal fluids deposit quartz over tabular barite crystals, coating them in a solid layer. Due to subsequent changes in fluid chemistry or temperature, the underlying barite dissolves completely, leaving a hollow quartz shell that retains the distinct, blade-like crystal form of the departed barite.

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