Baryte with Calcite

The occurrence of beautifully crystallised Baryte at Sidmouth on the southern coast of Devon has become a modern-day classic and fine specimens can still be collected from the beach, following rock falls from the exposed side of Peak Hill. The falls take place at a steady pace, especially during the winter months when storms and waves are at their severest. This splendid example displays several translucent to gemmy, golden-yellow to colourless Baryte crystals, developed over tiny Calcite crystals lining part of a marl nodule, the marl strengthened by the Calcite. The largest Baryte crystal measures 3.2 x 1.0 x 0.2 cm. Under LWUV the Baryte fluoresces bright pale lemon yellow and under SWUV, a near-imperceptible pale lemon, but still visible, nonetheless.