TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Barita Azul

Barita is a mineral with formula BaSO₄, in the Sulfatos group. This specimen comes from Mina Victoria, El Estrecho de San Ginés, Cartagena, Región de Murcia, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2000.

Barita Azul from Mina Victoria, El Estrecho de San Ginés, Cartagena, Región de Murcia, España — Terrium

Description

Cluster of sky-blue tabular crystals with cream-colored zoning at the base, forming fan- and rosette-shaped aggregates. A highly airy and harmonious specimen, completely undamaged, with great aesthetic value.

History of this specimen

I have it from the collection of Aleydis Soliveres; she acquired it at the last Expominer c. 2000. At Expominer it carried number 123 and in Aleydis's collection number 1013. Exquisite, intact, and of the period.

About Barita

Barite is a barium sulphate that is common in nature, but well-formed crystals of quality are not always found.

About the locality

El Estrecho de San Ginés is one of the classic Spanish barite localities. Its mines, now closed, yielded high-quality bluish and transparent crystals, which are now sought after on the collectors' market.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0169
Composition
BaSO₄
Name
Barita
Variety
Azul
Group
Sulfatos
Category
Meritum Persé
Mine
Mina Victoria
District / Municipality
El Estrecho de San Ginés
Province
Cartagena
Region
Región de Murcia
Country
España
Size (cm)
5.5 x 4.5 x 3.5
Acquired
2000
Ex-collection
Aleydis Soliveres
Etymology
From the Greek "barys", heavy, due to its high density.
Quality
Notable
Value trend
Al alza

Related specimens

← Back to Terrium catalogue