Baryte

Famed for the largest individual Baryte crystals ever found within the UK, in both size and weight, the Silverband mine high up on Great Dun Fell in Cumbria was not only remote, but also one of the greatest mineral collecting localities of the 1970s era. The largest Baryte crystals were almost unliftable, but with size came damage, simply because their density combined with the softness of Baryte just didn't allign. This 12.7 cm tall crystal, or more correctly two parallel crystals, already reaches near 1 kg in weight and much larger crystals were reported but very few survive intact. The size of this one is impressive, but more so is how well it has been cared for, with just one small scratch down one side. The back of the crystal is not perfect, with an impression from where another crystal was presumably once attached, but overall this is certainly an impressive, and historic, British Baryte crystal. It presents the classic Silverband greyish colour, with frosted white tips and thin edges, adding to its charm. Ex Martin Kershaw Collection, no. 364, with his card label/file sheet.

Unknown Owner

Product details

Species

Barite

SizeCabinet

Dimensions12.7 x 5.4 x 6.5 cm

Locality

UK, England, Silverband Mine

Added on12/07/2025

Comments

Known provenance

2025/12