Baryte

Dr Josef Clemente methodically built a remarkable mineral collection during his life, amongst which are true classics, exquisite rarities and stunningly aesthetic pieces.  Golden Baryte from the Pöhla-Tellerhäuser mine in Saxony, Germany, is certainly a European classic and this specimen is a perfect example for anyone on the look-out.  Although we know this mine for its world-class Baryte, it was a uranium mine, working a folded series of Cambrian-Ordovician schists with included layers of skarn-affected various rock-types.  This magnificent cabinet specimen has a sturdy matrix plate of iron-stained cryptocrystalline Quartz almost totally encrusted with superb Baryte crystals varying in size from millimetres to over 4 cm and from gemmy transparent to opaque.  However, the transparent and translucent crystals dominate the specimen, giving it a gemmy and luxurious appeal.  The Baryte could readily be described as golden, but is in fact a rich, slightly burnt apricot barley sugar, quite stunning and delicious.  The crystals, no matter what size, are nicely terminated and all have a brilliant glassy lustre.  This is a gorgeous Baryte from this famous mine in Saxony and is from the Dr Josef Clemente Collection of southern Germany.