Barite with Cinnabar

This rather unusual small cabinet specimen features Cinnabar included in broad, blocky Baryte crystals from Wolfstein in Kusel District of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Wolfstein is close to the cluster of other well known German mercury localities such as Landsberg, the Frischer Mut mine and Daimbacher Hof. The entire specimen is coloured red due to the ubiquitous presence of Cinnabar; a somewhat muddy terracotta red over the base and edges of the specimens, with all of the top surface covered in block Baryte crystals of up to 1.5 x 1 cm, all a dull vermilion red yet with a waxy to greasy lustre due to the outer surfaces of Baryte. This specimen is accompanied by two old labels. Although the larger of the two has three corners trimmed and is subject to water staining, it is nonetheless a beautiful label jam-packed full of character. For any specimens containing mercury and or mercury bearing minerals, it is a sensible precaution to always wash your hands after handling.