Barite: Linwood Mine, Buffalo, Scott County, Iowa USA

Description

Species: Barite

Locality: Linwood Mine, Buffalo, Scott Co., Iowa, USA

Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3.4 cm.

SOLD

The Linwood mine, an underground mine for high-purity limestone located along the banks of the Mississippi River in Iowa, has emerged as a premier-level locality for world-class barite, calcite, and marcasite specimens over the past decade or so. Even considering the abundance of fine examples of these species from the American Midwest, the best Linwood mine pieces really stand out for their exceptional quality, aesthetics, and frequently large crystal size. This superb barite specimen features a large, gemmy, perfect 11.5 cm doubly-terminated crystal perched aesthetically on fossil-bearing limestone matrix. The aesthetics and crystal quality are exceptional for Linwood, and the specimen is very showy. It is attached to a small display base, which could easily be removed with acetone if desired. A fine example of a contemporary American mineral classic! Annette Slade photo.