This Specimen has been sold.
2.9" Bladed Barite Crystal Cluster with Marcasite - Morocco
This is a cluster of bladed barite crystals that were collected from the Bou Nahas Mine in Morocco. They formed in association with marcasite crystals.
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.
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.
About Marcasite
Marcasite is an iron sulfide mineral with the chemical formula FeS2. It is similar to pyrite in both its chemical composition and appearance, but it forms an entirely different crystal structure and is much more reactive to humidity. It is often found within sedimentary rock and hydrothermal deposits, and at one point was used for its sulfur content.
Marcasite is an iron sulfide mineral with the chemical formula FeS2. It is similar to pyrite in both its chemical composition and appearance, but it forms an entirely different crystal structure and is much more reactive to humidity. It is often found within sedimentary rock and hydrothermal deposits, and at one point was used for its sulfur content.
SPECIES
Barite & Marcasite
LOCATION
Bou Nahas Mine, Oumjrane area, Morocco
SIZE
2.9 x 2.55"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#160136
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