Barite (old classic) (ex Tom Campbell Collection)

Item Description

Frizington Barites are true classics. They are arguably the most recognizable Barites in the world - certainly among the most iconic ever found - and have been sought after for generations especially since the mines in the area were closed at the beginning of the 20th century. The classic blue crystals with the light reddish iron-oxide depositions are a favorite among collectors. This piece features a fine quality, sharp, translucent, textbook, tabular orthorhombic crystal with a classic mixture of light blue and light grey-blue color zoning along with a tiny bit of accenting reddish iron oxide on the exterior faces of the termination. The piece is in very good shape overall, but there are a few tiny nicks and unfortunately the accenting crystal at the base is cleaved. With that said, this is a 100+ year old specimen of a material that is not often seen on the market for sale. If you collect Barites or European / UK classics, this is something that every collector should have. From the worldwide collection of Tom Campbell. Tom is a mineralogist and mineral collect who works with us here at The Arkenstone. He has over 35 years of experience in the fields of exploration geology, mining, and applied mineralogy, and has even more years under his belt as a collector! Tom has described many new species over the years, and discovered the rare phosphates Tiptopite, Fransoletite and Pahasapaite. Tom was also a co-author on the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Minerals. You can see a list of Tom's published works here ( https://www.irocks.com/thomas-j-campbell-publications-list ).