Baryte
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameBaryte
Chemical FormulaBaSO₄
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {001}, good on {210} and {010}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.5
Colorsyellow, brown, olive green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityMonte Mesu, Villamassargia, Carbonia-Iglesias Province, Sardinia, Italy
Mineral GroupSulfates
Usesdrilling mud, medical applications, pigments, filler
Associated Mineralsgalena, sphalerite, fluorite, quartz, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen features a prominent, translucent, yellowish-brown to olive-green baryte crystal exhibiting distinct internal growth zoning in chevron patterns, surrounded by smaller, blocky crystals.
Geological Context
Baryte commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with lead-zinc ore deposits, and can also occur as concretions in sedimentary rocks or as a gangue mineral.
