Witherite
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameWitherite
Chemical FormulaBaCO3
Mohs Hardness3.25
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagedistinct on {010}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.3
Colorswhite, grey, colorless
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityPigeon Roost Mine (Pigeon Roost Mountain prospect), Glenwood, Montgomery County, Arkansas, USA
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usessource of barium, collector
Associated Mineralsgalena, barite, fluorite, calcite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a cluster of elongated, pale greyish-white to translucent crystals, forming a radiating or botryoidal habit on a matrix.
Geological Context
Witherite typically forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, often associated with lead-zinc deposits, or as a secondary mineral in sedimentary rocks where it replaces other carbonates.
