TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet

Barita

Barita is a mineral with formula BaSO₄, in the Sulfatos group. This specimen comes from Cerro Warihuyn, Miraflores, Huamalíes, Huánuco, Perú and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Barita from Cerro Warihuyn, Miraflores, Huamalíes, Huánuco, Perú — Terrium

Description

Large honey-yellow tabular crystal, transparent, with vitreous lustre and well-defined faces, accompanied by parallel and interpenetrant crystals on reddish silty matrix. Main crystal 2.6 cm, responds under UV light.

History of this specimen

It was the last piece I bought from one of my regular suppliers who betrayed my trust. I bought a piece with very specific size and value specifications, but when it arrived at home it measured almost half of what had been advertised. Although the company acknowledged it was their error, they made me feel very uncomfortable. It saddened me and I wish them no ill, but my money and my peace of mind are going elsewhere.

About Barita

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

About the locality

Cerro Warihuyn is a classic Peruvian locality that has produced notable specimens since the 1990s. Its barite is distinguished by yellowish colour, transparency, and interpenetrant tabular habits. This find established it as a reference locality worldwide for the species. Specimens from Cerro Warihuyn stand out for well-formed tabular crystals with intense yellow fluorescence under UV, and are highly regarded on the international market.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0183
Composition
BaSO₄
Name
Barita
Group
Sulfatos
Category
Cresta Montis
Matrix
Roca limosa con óxidos
Mine
Cerro Warihuyn
District / Municipality
Miraflores
Province
Huamalíes
Region
Huánuco
Country
Perú
Size (cm)
6.7 x 5.5 x 5
Weight
96 g
Acquired
2025
Etymology
From Greek "barys", "heavy", in reference to its high density.
Quality
Top
Value trend
Estable

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