Baryte

Unknown Owner

When one says the terms "golden baryte" the collector can think of several localities. But these robust, sharp, chisel-shaped crystals have always been the historic standard to which others are compared. This well-trimmed small cabinet specimen features numerous crystals to 3.5 cm long and 2 cm thick, set upon matrix, from this old, important silver mine that is better known these days for its so-called feather-silver specimens. The specimen displays all around, 360 degrees, and all the crystals appear to be pristine. It is a tremendously aesthetic example of this old classic. They were collected off and on, mainly, over the Cold War years and stashed. After a brief flood to the western market when the Wall fell, they dried up - I had thought they were contemporary at the time, but this was mistaken. In fact, most are older, many dating back now 40-50 years.