Barite on Fluorite

Item Description

The famous Xiefang Mine in Jiangxi, China is a source of some of the finest crystals of Barite from any locality in the country. The rich golden color combined with the excellent crystal form, sharpness, luster and gemminess are reminiscent of the classic crystals from the Sherman Mine in Leadville, Colorado. This particular specimen is a superb example featuring many top quality, razor-sharp, highly lustrous, honey colored to rich golden hued tabular, pseudo-rhombic-shaped crystals which range from virtually WATER CLEAR to translucent in clarity sitting atop a sculptural matrix of crystallized white Fluorite. The piece is nearly a complete "floater" as it is crystallized all over, but I can see one small point of attachment on the underside. The vast majority of the Barites are damage free, but the back on the main crystal does have a contact which is not visible from the front. These specimens are not easy to find these days, and this particular color of Barite is as desirable as almost anything you'll find.