Barita
Barita is a mineral with formula BaSO₄, in the Sulfatos group. This specimen comes from Rutyna's Pocket, Lubin, Legnica, Baja Silesia, Polonia and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Curved columnar crystal of yellowish barite, partially coated with pyrite microcrystals that impart a bright metallic lustre. Responds under UV light.
About Barita
Barite is a barium sulphate that crystallises in the orthorhombic system. It commonly forms tabular aggregates, but can grow as stalactites when it precipitates in cavities under certain hydrothermal conditions. Its high density makes it useful in industrial applications, but it is also valued as a collector's mineral for its diverse crystal habits.
About the locality
The Lubin deposit forms part of the large copper-polymetallic mining district of south-west Poland, known for producing not only copper and silver but also noteworthy mineral associations. Barite with pyrite is now sought after for its aesthetics and rarity in this habit.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0079
- Composition
- BaSO₄
- Name
- Barita
- Group
- Sulfatos
- Category
- Lucimera
- Associations
- pirita
- Mine
- Rutyna's Pocket
- District / Municipality
- Lubin
- Province
- Legnica
- Region
- Baja Silesia
- Country
- Polonia
- Size (cm)
- 6.5 x 1.6 x 1.5
- Weight
- 10 g
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- From the Greek "barys", 'heavy', in reference to its high density.
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Anhidrita — México
- Barita — España
- Barita — Marruecos
- Barita (Azul) — España
- Barita (Azul) — España
- Barita — Perú
- Barita (Azul) — España
- Barita — Perú