3.8" Pyrite Encrusted Barite Crystal Cluster - Poland (New Find)

Pyrite Encrusted Barite Crystal Cluster - Poland (New Find) #130505

This is a beautiful cluster of barite (baryte) crystals that are encrusted in pyrite micro-crystals, collected from a pocket of Poland's famous Lubin Mine, known as "Rutyna's Pocket". The barite displays a deep honey coloration with little to no damage to the majority of the crystals on this specimen. Comes with an acrylic display stand.

The Lubin Mine in Poland has been around since the early 1960's and is known as one of the largest copper and silver ore producers in the world. Occasionally, varieties of minerals make it out of this mine and onto the market; this gorgeous pyrite encrusted baryte specimen being one of those.

Barite, commonly spelled baryte, is well-known for its great range of colors and varied crystal forms and habits. It is a heavy mineral consisting of barium sulfate, and typically has the chemical formula of BaSO4. The barite group consists of baryte, celestine, anglesite and anhydrite. It's generally white to colorless and is the main source of barium.

The mineral pyrite or iron pyrite is commonly referred to as Fool's Gold because its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold. In the old mining days, pyrite was sometimes mistaken for gold. Pyrite is the most common of the sulfide minerals with the chemical formula FeS2. Pyrite crystals occur in many shapes and habits, including cubes of all sizes, penetration twin cubes, pyritohedral clusters and as small druzy crystals that can exhibit a beautiful glistening effect.

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