Cothercott Baryte Specimen (England, UK)

Cothercott Baryte Specimen - Cothercott Barytes Mill, Shropshire, England, UK

These stunning specimens of Baryte (Barium Sulfate, BaSO4) are sourced from the historic Cothercott Barytes Mill site in Shropshire, England. This locality is famed for its rich history in industrial mineral extraction, making these pieces highly desirable for both mineral collectors and industrial history enthusiasts.

The Baryte displays its characteristic crystalline structure, ranging from white to translucent in some areas, to a delicate light pink or flesh colour in others. The crystals are typically bladed or tabular and are aggregated in massive clusters, demonstrating the mineral's distinct and perfect basal cleavage. The overall appearance is highly aesthetic, featuring a bright vitreous to pearly lustre that makes the specimens excellent display pieces. Baryte is notable for its high density (a high specific gravity for a non-metallic mineral), which gives the specimens a satisfyingly heavy feel for their size.

The Cothercott Mill was a key processing facility for Baryte mined from veins in the surrounding area of the Shropshire Hills, notably the nearby Stiperstones region. The mineral was primarily used as a non-toxic white pigment and as a heavy-weight filler in various industries, including the production of paper, plastics, and drilling muds. The presence of this mineral reflects the rich hydrothermal veining associated with the geological faulting in the region. Owning this specimen is not just possessing a beautiful mineral, but a piece of the industrial and geological heritage of Shropshire.

Origin: Cothercott Barytes Mill, Shropshire Hills, Shropshire, England, UK
Mineral type: Baryte (Barite), Barium Sulfate, BaSO4
Size: ~5(L) x 4(H) x 2(W) cm (see scale cube), 92 g