2.8" Yellow Barite Crystal Cluster - Linwood Mine, Iowa

The Linwood Mine has been in operation since 1944: to this day, it ranks as one of the largest limestone mining locations in the United States. On relatively rare occasions, a vug containing minerals will be opened in the mining process, which are then extracted and saved. These vugs often contain beautiful crystal aggregations of calcite, barite, and marcasite, some of which are considered world-class quality specimens.

About Barite (Baryte)

Barite is a barium sulfate mineral (BaSO₄) known for its high specific gravity, which makes it unusually heavy for a non-metallic mineral. Typically forming in tabular or bladed crystals, barite can also appear in massive, fibrous, or nodular habits. Its colors range from colorless and white to shades of blue, yellow, gray, or brown, often influenced by trace impurities. Barite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and as a gangue mineral in lead-zinc ore deposits. It is widely used in industrial applications, especially as a weighting agent in drilling muds for oil and gas exploration. Its striking crystal formations and vivid hues also make it a popular mineral for collectors.