Barite with Sphalerite

Unknown Owner

The New Glencrieff mine in Wanlockhead, Scotland, has a long and complex history, dating back to 1718 and operating on and off until the late 1950s with some reprocessing in the early 1960s. It was initially part of a larger mining district focused on silver and silver-rich lead ores. The mine experienced periods of intense activity, especially in the mid-18th century, followed by periods of abandonment and revival. This current specimen is an excellent cabinet example with white bladed crystals of barite across the top of a lustrous black sphalerite crystal matrix. Calcite is present as well. This is in very good condition. Nicely fluorescent under longwave ultraviolet light.