Barytocalcite

specimen number:
2354106

location:
Bulman's Rise, Second Sun Vein, Nentsberry Haggs Mine, Alston, Cumbria, England, UK

description:
Excellent example for the species, platy opaque white non-lustrous crystals of barytocalcite measuring to 1.7 cm in size standing up nicely from matrix. The crystals cover the top of the matrix and are in great condition with one crystal only slightly cleaved as seen in the video.

Located near Alston in Cumbria, England, the Nentsberry Haggs Mine is part of the historic Northern Pennines orefield, where extensive nineteenth-century lead and barium mining operations targeted complex mineralized veins hosted within carboniferous limestone sequences. Within the mine network, areas such as the Second Sun Vein feature specific flat horizons that became famous among mineral collectors for yielding exceptional specimens. The most notable mineral from this locality is barytocalcite, a rare double carbonate that forms striking tabular crystals, honey-brown to straw-colored fan-shaped sprays, and crystal clusters often associated with witherite and barite within cavity pockets.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.