Witherite

Occasionally minerals specimens are found in unexpected new locations following engineering work which has exposed previously undisturbed ground.  This is the story behind this 2.8 x 2.4 x 1.6 cm Witherite crystal attached to a matrix of translucent creamy Witherite, the rare barium carbonate.  This specimen was recovered from a road cutting made for the A4119 close to Llantrisant in south Wales and although weathered and encrusted with Baryte, it is quite a remarkable small miniature from a previously unknown location.  This specimen was collected in June 1980, as noted on the accompanying label.