Description

Detailed Description

This one is a little different – it is water-clear, with a very slightly smoky colour tinge to it. The central and lower portions of the crystal are attached to the matrix, and around the top edge of the crystal the transparency is such that you could read through these areas of the crystal (granted, not a practical use of one’s reading efforts…). The barite crystal measures 2.6 x 2.6 cm, and is lustrous and pristine. The piece sits perfectly for display as photographed. For me, what makes this one are the perfection and the artistic angle at which the barite sits, almost tipped 45 degrees to the side. Really nice.

About These Barites

The barites from Cerro Huarihuyn are among my favourite barites from anywhere – they are glassy and sharp with excellent crystal development, translucent to transparent and some excellent colour (particularly the honey-coloured ones). Unlike most of the classic Peruvian localities, this one is not one of the polymetallic mines in the Andes.  Rather, this is an occurrence which was discovered by, is worked by local villagers. The specific location is remote and many specimens have been damaged during transport over rough terrain. Most available are damaged to some degree, but I have scoured to find top quality ones and when they are in excellent condition, they are wonderful barites.