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.
Description
Thick tabular crystals, translucent, honey-yellow with internal golden reflections. They form a well-aligned crest on light grey matrix. Natural vitreous lustre, sharp faces and clean terminations.
History of this specimen
Under ultraviolet light I noticed a strange iridescence. With the loupe I saw the crystals were covered by a gummy film. I told Luis Andrade, who apologised and refunded the money. Days later I immersed it in pure acetone: the coating came off and an impeccable crystallisation appeared, with natural vitreous lustre. After finishing the cleaning with alcohol, the barite recovered its original appearance. It has a couple of small nicks but they are virtually imperceptible.
About Barita
Barium sulphate that crystallises in the orthorhombic system, common in hydrothermal veins. The barites from Cerro Warihuyn are known for yellow to honey-coloured tabular crystals arranged in parallel growths on dolomite.
About the locality
Situated on the eastern flank of the Andes, the Cerro Warihuyn deposit has become a world classic for the transparency and perfection of its barite crystals. The mineralisation is hosted by brecciated dolostones, with circulation of barium-bearing solutions through open fissures and fractures.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0236
- Composition
- BaSO₄
- Name
- Barita
- Group
- Sulfatos
- Category
- Cresta Montis
- Matrix
- Dolomítica
- Mine
- Cerro Warihuyn
- District / Municipality
- Miraflores
- Province
- Huamalíes
- Region
- Huánuco
- Country
- Perú
- Size (cm)
- 5.5 x 2.5 x 2.5
- Weight
- 37.7 g
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- From the Greek "barys", meaning 'heavy', in reference to its high density.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Anhidrita — México
- Barita — Polonia
- Barita — España
- Barita — Marruecos
- Barita (Azul) — España
- Barita (Azul) — España
- Barita — Perú
- Barita (Azul) — España