Name: Witherite
Brand: Crystal Classics
Price: 2500 USD
Availability: InStock

Updated 5d ago

Witherite

Witherite is a rare barium carbonate mineral first described from northern England. Although the specific Type Locality has been hotly debated, what is clear is that Fallowfield mine, near Hexam in Northumberland is not it, but has produced the world's finest crystals. The pyramidal form of Witherite from Fallowfield mine has never been bettered, despite the fact that this crystal habit was first found in the mine during the 1820s. This small cabinet specimen previously resided in the stunning private collection of Professor Werner Paar. Comprising a matrix of Mica-Quartz sandstone coated with a fine drusy layer of spiky bipyramidal Alstonite microcrystals (Fallowfield mine is the co-Type Locality along with Brownley Hill mine), at least six, large, wonderfully formed pyramidal Witherite crystals sit dramatically on top. These crystals range in size from 1.7 to 3.6 cm in length, the largest being doubly-terminated, but iron-stained and partially fractured. One of the main Witherite crystals has been reattached quite skillfully at some point. Another crystal is twinned, and several are in absolutely wonderful overall condition, displaying extensive oscillatory growth. There is some obvious orange Fe-oxide staining and etching to the Alstonite and Witherite crystals and some signs of cracking in the matrix, but for sheer wow-factor, this is a remarkable crystallized Witherite, from arguably the premier locality.

$2,500.00