Baryte with Fluorite and Sphalerite

Unknown Owner

Elmwood mine has produced some simply breathtaking mineral specimens in its time and of those, the species Calcite, Fluorite and Sphalerite are considered to have been some of the world's best crystallized examples. This very large cabinet display specimen features two of those species, along with Baryte, in what is an association instantly recognizable as from Elmwood mine even without a label. From Arvid Pasto's superb Fluorite collection, the Fluorite here is lovely, but is almost playing second fiddle with the Sphalerite and Baryte. The body of the specimen is a large rough textured silicious Quartz or Quartzite clast, over which the other minerals have grown. The Sphalerite forms the first discontinuous layer, as enormous extremely glossy black crystals. On a world scale these are remarkable Sphalerite crystals for their form, lustre and sheer size (to 3 cm across), but several are contacted with noticeable damage. However, over the Sphalerite sit several clusters of lovely mid-purple Fluorite cubes, reaching 3.2 cm on edge with a rough waxy texture, but no obvious damage. Finally, at the other end of the specimen is perched a huge, brain-like dome of cream coloured Baryte, 13 cm in diameter. The Baryte is finely crystallized upon the surface, with a rough, matt texture, and has minor bruising around the edges. Overall, the combination of these iconic Elmwood mine species, in their own distinctive forms, works exceptionally well. With these aesthetics this would make a stunning central display specimen not only for an Elmwood mine display, but for any worldwide collection. An American classic, big and bold. Due to this specimens size and weight (12.5 kg), additional shipping charges will be required.