Barite on Calcite

Barite on Calcite
Elk Creek

Meade County

South Dakota

Size: Small Cabinet  

This superb specimen features a lustrous, transparent, single golden-amber barite crystal measuring 5 centimeters in length on a wonderfully contrasting matrix of small, yellow calcite crystals.   This specimen was recovered from the interior of a sedimentary concretion found in a dig near Elk Creek in the summer of 2006.   Barite-bearing concretions are encountered within the lower horizons of the Pierre Shale over a wide expanse of western South Dakota.  While the area which can potentially yield barite producing concretions is large, specimens of this quality are exceptionally rare.   Even in known specimen producing areas, such as Elk Creek, literally hundreds of concretions must be opened in order to discover one specimen with this character.    

The golden Barite occurrence in western South Dakota was recently selected by a panel of top U.S. mineral collector’s as one of the top 50 American mineral specimen producing localities.  Incredible special exhibits focusing on these 50 localities, including the barites from South Dakota, were displayed for the public at the annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show - 2008.   A fine chapter on this occurrence was written by Janet Clifford in the 2008 publication American Mineral Treasures.    Elk Creek barite specimens, such as this super example, are so choice that they are able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with barite occurrences around the world.

This super specimen would be a major addition to any advanced mineral collection.

Net Price: $5,000.00