Barite

specimen number:
2063620

location:
Stoneham, Weld Co., Colorado, USA

description:
Classic Colorado specimen with an attractive cluster of gemmy lustrous blue prismatic barite crystals with little attached matrix. In terrific condition all around. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark. The piece was collected by Mike Sanders and Frank Bendrick in 2008.

Located in Weld County, Colorado, Stoneham is a classic mineral locality situated within the Tertiary sedimentary strata of the White River Formation, primarily composed of claystones and tuffaceous siltstones. The geology features low-temperature hydrothermal or diagenetic fluid movement through fractures and cavities, which deposited barium sulfate solutions over geological time. The site gained fame among miners and mineral collectors in the early twentieth century following the discovery of exquisite gem-quality minerals in exposed bluffs and open cuts. Stoneham is globally renowned for producing fine, razor-sharp tabular crystals of blue barite, highly prized by collectors for their intense electric-blue color, vitreous luster, and sharp geometric termination.

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